“Be nice to your children, after all, they will choose your care home”: Exploring the aging and care experiences of older women in care homes in Dhaka, Bangladesh

This research contributes insights into the experiences of aging and care among older women (aged 60 and above) in care homes in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Employing a grounded theory approach, the study explores the intersectionality of culture and gender in understanding these experiences. An ethnographic approach and in-depth interviews were utilized to gather data from older women in two care homes: public and charity-run in Dhaka. The findings reveal that cultural elements, such as schemas and scripts acquired during early cultural socialization, actively influence the perceptions and experiences of older women. The research emphasizes how older women utilize the cultural framework of intergenerational caregiving to understand their requirements for care. Furthermore, age-related physical changes and decline impact gender roles, particularly among economically disadvantaged women, for whom the body becomes a tool for both 'doing gender' and ensuring survival. For older women, actively participating in gender roles is essential to uphold their gender-specific 'symbolic capital,' ensuring that status and respect are crucial for survival. The disparity between the realities of aging and internalized cultural norms profoundly affects the self-perception of older women, resulting in emotional distress that undermines their well-being. Furthermore, this research makes several social policy recommendations, emphasizing the importance of gendered and culturally tailored interventions.