Cherished possessions, home-making practices and aging in care homes in Kerala, India

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Emotion, Space and Society

Abstract

This paper explores how the material and imaginary aspects of emotions embedded in cherished possessions contribute to home-making practices at the scale of a formal care setting for older adults in a non-western context. This study examines three types of care homes with residents from different socioeconomic backgrounds in the state of Kerala, India. Data include in-depth interviews, observations, and photography with older adults in care homes. We identify three types of cherished possessions that are embodied with different roles and emotional qualities: first, religious artifacts that signify a sense of security in day-to-day life; second, possessions embedded with memories of past life events that elicit pride and a sense of continuity; and, third, possessions linked to memories of family members and pets, which reflect efforts to create a sense of co-presence. This paper contributes to a new dialogue on how empirical research on home-making practices can enrich and sustain the emotional well-being of older adults living in care homes.

DOI

10.1016/j.emospa.2020.100706

Publication Date

8-1-2020

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS