Abstract:

Modernization is a process of social change. In this process, the family institution is in the forefront of the changing institutions. This change affects the elderly who make up a defensive, disadvantaged group. The problem of our study is to identify what the facts that present age as a problem in the process of modernization are. Individualization, industrialization and urbanization, changes in the family structure, an increase in the elderly population, loss of social values, etc. The reasons made the elderly population more visible. These facts also revealed their old problems. The modern way of life, which predicts the individual, formed by the pleasure and interest relationships, has also brought their problems with the family. The idea that the individual sees himself independent of authority, that the person will be enough for himself, and that the idea of building a self-centric world has weakened the relationship of the family with other individuals, has caused the elderly to be perceived as an excess and to be kept out. The process of modernization has led to serious changes in the structure, role and status of the family. In pre-industrial societies, the elderly people had the power in their hands as the larger of the family. With modernization, some of the family functions have been transferred to institutions, the traditional knowledge has lost value, the woman’s throw into the business life, etc. The reasons for reducing the need for the elderly just pushed them out of the institution. While social values are the protective milestone of the family, the overthrow of the values that are built on the family today, the support of a positive and pragmatic educational system has led to the transformation of the 'value' considered elderly into a 'problem'.

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