ROLE OF JOINT FAMILY SYSTEM IN SUCCESSFUL AGING AT DIR LOWER, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of the joint family system on the aging process. This study highlights that a joint family system brings a positive impact on the aging process. Data has been collected from male senior citizens who were residing in a joint family system in the village of Bagh Dushkhel, District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data were collected from respondents through in-depth interviews as well as focused group discussions. Respondents were identified through snowball sampling techniques. Thematically analyzed data reveals that in a joint family more manpower, strong social proximity, and easily available company in the joint family have a positive social, psychological, and economic impact on the aging process of older family members. The study suggests that awareness among the young generation regarding the importance of a joint family, grant of social status according to the role as well as the financial contribution of employed women may preserve the joint family system and ultimately successful old age