Linked Lives: Elder Care, Migration, and Kinship in Sri Lanka

When youth shake off their rural roots and middle-aged people migrate for economic opportunities, what happens to the grandparents left at home? Linked Lives provides insights into the lives of elders in a Sri Lankan Buddhist village, who use their moral authority and control over property to ensure they receive physical and spiritual care. The care work grandparents do for grandchildren enables labor migration and contributes to the overall well-being of the extended family. The book explores the efforts of migrant workers to build and buy houses and the constraints these spaces create on social activities. It also outlines the strategies elders employ to age in place and the alternatives they face in local old folks homes, based on ethnographic work done over a decade.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 232 pages
\n Publication date: 30 November 2020
\n Publisher: Rutgers University Press
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When young people leave their rural roots and middle-aged people migrate in search of economic opportunities, what happens to the grandparents left behind?
Linked Lives offers readers a unique insight into the homes of a Sri Lankan Buddhist village, where elders harness their moral authority and control over valuable property to ensure they receive both physical and spiritual care when needed. The care work that grandparents undertake for their grandchildren enables labor migration and plays a vital role in the overall well-being of the extended family. The book explores the efforts made by migrant workers to build and purchase houses, as well as the constraints these rooms and walls impose on social activities. It also outlines the strategies elders employ to age in place and the alternatives they face in local old folks homes. Drawing from extensive ethnographic work conducted over a decade, Michele Gamburd sheds light on the challenges faced by elders in a rapidly globalizing world.

Introduction:
The phenomenon of young people leaving their rural roots and middle-aged people migrating in search of economic opportunities has been a significant trend in many parts of the world. While this migration can bring about positive changes in the lives of individuals and families, it also leaves behind grandparents who are left to care for their grandchildren. This study aims to explore the impact of this migration on the grandparents left at home.

Migration and its Impact on Grandparents:
Migration often leads to a separation of families, as parents and children move to different cities or countries in search of better job opportunities or higher education. This separation can be particularly difficult for grandparents, who are left behind to manage the household and care for their grandchildren. Grandparents may face a range of challenges, including financial difficulties, social isolation, and physical health problems.

Financial Difficulties:
Migration can lead to a decrease in household income, as the primary breadwinner is often absent. This can make it difficult for grandparents to meet their basic needs, such as food, clothing, and healthcare. Grandparents may also have to rely on government assistance or social programs to provide for their grandchildren.

Social Isolation:
Migration can also lead to social isolation for grandparents, as they may lose contact with their extended family and friends. This can be particularly challenging for older adults who rely on social support to maintain their well-being. Grandparents may also feel lonely and isolated, as they are unable to participate in the same social activities as their younger counterparts.

Physical Health Problems:
Grandparents who are left to care for their grandchildren may face physical health problems as a result of the stress and strain of the caregiving role. They may be responsible for providing physical care, such as bathing, feeding, and administering medication, which can be physically demanding and time-consuming. Grandparents may also be at higher risk of chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, due to the stress and lack of exercise.

Strategies for Aging in Place:
Despite the challenges faced by grandparents left at home, there are strategies that they can employ to age in place. These strategies include:

• Seeking support from family and friends: Grandparents can seek support from their family and friends to help them manage the caregiving role. This can include providing financial assistance, emotional support, or practical help, such as babysitting or housework.
  


• Utilizing community resources: Grandparents can utilize community resources, such as senior centers, daycare facilities, and transportation services, to help them maintain their independence and quality of life.
  


• Engaging in social activities: Grandparents can engage in social activities, such as joining a club or group, volunteering, or attending religious services, to help them stay connected to their community and maintain their mental health.
  


• Seeking professional care: Grandparents may need to seek professional care, such as home healthcare or assisted living, to help them manage the caregiving role and provide for their own needs.
  

• Living with their children: Grandparents can live with their children to provide care for their grandchildren and receive support from their family.
  


• Moving in with other family members: Grandparents can move in with other family members, such as their siblings or nieces and nephews, to provide care for their grandchildren and receive support from their extended family.
  


• Finding a roommate: Grandparents can find a roommate to share their living space and provide companionship and support.
  


• Participating in retirement communities: Grandparents can participate in retirement communities, which offer a range of services and activities for older adults, including healthcare, housing, and social activities.
  

\n Weight: 298g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781978815308\n \n