Transnational Support of Asian Indian Elderly in India: Examining Patterns of Exchanges.

Abstract

Using a mixed methods approach, the provision of support exchanges between family members across national borders was examined. Specifically, this project examined transnational support among Asian Indian elderly residing in India whose children resided outside India. Seventy adults participated in this project in the cities of Bangalore and Mumbai. Individuals participated in either a focus group meeting or completed a survey to examine their transnational family support experiences. Most seniors were educated, of middle-income category or higher, socially active, enjoyed good health, and were not keen to live in multigeneration households. Survey findings suggest that transnational care is reciprocal in nature and that communication technology has enhanced intergenerational contact. The older adults' report of support exchanges provided and received between generations showed significant differences on certain types of support. Undoubtedly, in today's rapidly growing global economy, a great deal of emotional support, communication, and exchanges takes place between adults and their elderly parents across national borders.