The Burden of Separation: Health and Psychological Effects on Left Behind Parents in Rural Punjab

Punjab has become a hub of student migration as well as labour migration to the developed countries.When this migration took place, it tore families across the borders.Old-aged parents have to spend a significant portion of their life alone when their children migrate overseas and set up their families in their destination countries.The parents who stay at home may feel more emotionally stressed and burdened with household responsibilities due to the absence of their children.So, this study was undertaken with specific objective of knowing the socio-psycho and others problems faced by left behind parents in rural Punjab.A total sample of 120 households were selected with help of snowball sampling technique.The results revealed that about one fifth (22.53 %) of the total sample respondents belonged to the age group in 71-80 years and had high average income i.e., between Rs. 2-3 Lac/annum.The respondents had various social problems among which social isolation was major social issue.People have lot of psychological problems such as, no one care at this stage, loneliness after migration of children coupled with over thinking and insecurities were there.Along with this, about 48 per cent of the total respondents faced tension and anxiety which was mainly related to their children and about their settlement and future.The respondents called their homes as "empty nests".As far as suggestions to overcome the issue, a large number i.e 71.66 per cent of respondents said that recreational activities must be there for parents such as social clubs, reading rooms with congenial atmosphere.Recreational activities as well as support and care must be there so that old aged parents can lead a comfortable life.Proper health care program should be paid by government for old aged person.Government should provide better health facilities, job opportunities, etc. to youth for curbing migration.