When we think about decisions we try to imagine that an individual consciously weighing up evidence rationally, and reaching a logical conclusion about a specific correct course of action. In reality, most decision-making is not like that, but the traditional model of rational decision-making continues no doubt .Here it has also given emphasis by looking more deeply at what exactly is involved in the decisions that matter in an ageing society, including contextual, social, ethical, habitual and unconscious factors that shape our decisions, and also inform second-order decision- making, that is, our decisions about the basis on which decisions should be made. The analytical foundations of rational decision-making have been called into question, and a new perspective is emerging in which more compelling factors that influence decisions are identified, including, inter alia, the role of habit, the desire for cognitive consistency, the influence of social norms and the need to feel like the persons who are doing the right thing.
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Through life history method they elderly were requested to describe what they have seen and observed throughout their lives. Question was also asked to the respondents whether the elderly could take part in these decisions previously or not. Almost 67.0 percent of the elderly replied positively whereas 33.0 percent replied that they have no idea about it. So, the table reflects that the elderly previously could involve themselves in decision making process properly. Now this situation has changed.
Kofi Anan, the secretary general of United Nations said that “Trees grow stronger over the years, rivers wider. Likewise with age, human beings gain immeasurable depth and breadth of experience and wisdom. That is why older persons should not only be respected and revered; they should be utilized as the rich source to society that they are”.84 Theoretically and ethically this speech is important. In reality it is found different.
Considering the heads of the family of the elderly, it is found that, the percentage of male elderly is 89.6 percent among them 40.6 percent is 60-65 age categories, about 15.6 percent is 65-70 and 24.0 percent is in 70-75 in age categories. The rest of the percentage of the male elderly belongs to the above eighty years which is negligible percent. On the other hand the percentage of the female elderly in this respect is about 25.2 percent from which18.7 percent belongs to 60-65 age.
It is also understandable that 39.9 percent respondents are the principal income earners of the family whereas the percentage of sons in this case is 46.8. Again, there are 8.4 percent female elderly whose husbands are their income earners. Nearly 52.2 percent elderly is still taking decision in the family and 38.4 percent elderly are the principal income earners and decision makers and the position of the sons in this point is about 32.5 percent. Though 32.5 percent son is simultaneously income earner and decision maker, 12.3 percent elderly are decision makers though their sons are principal income earners.
84Prafulla Chakrabarti, Sunset Years of Life, Kolkata: Urbee Prokashan, 2009.
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Regarding taking decision in buying and selling something in the family it is found that 50.2 percent respondents still are involved in this decision making process. On the other hand, the percentage of sons in this respect is about 32.5 percent.
In case of receiving treatment in the family it is found that 45.8 percent elderly can take decision but 37.4 percent depend on their sons. Regarding female elderly, 11.8 percent depend on their husbands
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About 38.4 percent female elderly replied that they are to seek permission and 14.3 percent of them opined that they are not to take permission as they are almost separated from the family members whereas the percentage of male elderly in this aspect is about 16.25 and 31.03.The condition of female elderly is not good than male one.When 49.3 percent elderly enjoy their status as the heads of the family their decision is accepted 36.9 percent properly, 10.8 percent conventionally and 1.5 percent of their decision is not accepted by the family members. When their status is elderly in family 11.8 percent decision of them is accepted properly, 10.8 percent conventionally and 3.4 percent is not accepted. If they are considered as the only family members, their position in family is vulnerable. So, as an elderly, dependent, and family member, their status is not satisfactory in the family. Question was also asked to the respondents whether the elderly could take part in these decisions previously or not.
About 67.0 percent of the elderly replied positively whereas 33.0 percent replied that they have no idea about it.
From the analysis of chi-square test table – 4 (i), table – 4 (ii), table – 4 (iii) (see Appendix -5, page 179-182) there is a significant effect between principal income earners of the family and principal decision maker of the family, position and nature of acceptance of the decision of the family and sex and position of elderly in buying and selling necessary things for the family. The study has found that regarding decision making process in the family the position of elderly are largely nominal rather than actual. Both the role and status of the elderly in this regard is going to reach at a vulnerable position.
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