Karnataka - Bangalore   

They are not afraid to be home alone

— Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Three is company: Many elderly persons are forced to live alone and fend for themselves.

BANGALORE: Not too long ago 87-year-old Rajeswari Chatterjee decided to move into an old age home and “give it a try for a few months”.

She has now returned to her flat in Malleswaram where she lives a fiercely independent life, but has left word with the home that she “might come back one day.” With the elderly becoming increasingly vulnerable to crime, Prof. Chatterjee feels that old age homes might be a safe and convenient option, especially for women.

“I moved back to my flat because I wanted to be close to the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). But I feel old age homes are better in a way,” said Prof. Chatterjee who has the distinction of being the first woman lecturer to be appointed at IISc in 1953. “You live with others and you have security. I would recommend it.”

Prof. Chatterjee has been living alone for 15 years ever since her husband passed away. Her daughter lives abroad. “It is important not to isolate yourself,” she said. “When I get bored, I call my neighbours, friends or relatives. They come sometimes, and sometimes make excuses,” she added with a resigned chuckle.

As a precautionary measure, she has left the keys to her flat with her neighbours so they can check on her in case they suspect anything. “I also have a bell system in place by which I can alert the watchman. It has been safe so far.”

For 73-year-old M. Shailaja who lives alone in Indira Nagar, her paying-guests give her a “psychological” sense of safety. Ms. Shailaja, who has lived alone 12 years, believes it is a better bet than living completely alone. “My flat seems fairly secure… but who is safe any more?” she says.

The keyword in these times should be “cautiousness” she says. “I do not entertain strangers, even sales people. I think I have turned from a fairly polite person to a rather abrupt one — but there is heightened fear when incidents like the triple murder occur. It was frightening to hear about Prof. Sachdev and his family,” she said.

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