Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha, (MKSSS), Pune has established an old age home for rendering all the required facilities for senior citizens in the year 1933. We at MKSSS, have three different buildings for the old age home. Two buildings are meant for the old women and one building is for the couples. Anandashram and Sukhanivas, where old women stay had been established in the year 1965 and 1983 respectively. Kalpataru is for the couples which had been established in the year 1981.

MKSSS has observed the need of the time and established an old age home, but this is not our main service. Earlier, old age homes were not needed, because the joint family system was followed. That system was broken once people shifted from villages-(the land agriculture based job) to cities (income generation). The change of values and the social set up were the reasons that encourage the growth of old age homes. Thus it became a social necessity and a better option.

Now if all the members of a family stay in the same place, in a village, there are no jobs. Even if there are, an educated person prefers to work in a firm or such other institution related to his area of specialization. We cannot expect a comfortable job at our door front. So, naturally, everyone is in search of such places and are forced to stay out of their native place. The main reason for the coming up of so many old age homes now a days is because most children are staying out side of their state or country. As the sons have to stay at their work place, they are not able to stay with their parents at their home. In many cases parents also don’t want to go out of their native place.

At present 58 old women and 4 couples are staying in our old age home. MKSSS takes care of all these senior citizens at a very nominal rate. We provide excellent infrastructure, nutritious and well-balanced meals, 24 hours medical facility, doctors on call. We also provide access to telephones and other forms of communication as they may keep in touch with their loved ones.

Apart from food, shelter and medical amenities, we also arrange some traditional and cultural programmes and social events for their entertainment. These homes also create a family like atmosphere among the senior citizens. They experience a sense of security and friendship when they share their joys and sorrows with each other.