A Study on the Status of Older Adult Residents of Srilankan Refugee Camp in Puzhal

: The research talks about the status of older adult residents in the Sri Lankan refugee camp at Puzhal, Chennai. As the older adult resident are the first generation of Sri Lankan residents to move due to the political war in their country to different parts of the world including India, they have seen a fair share of struggle in displacement and settlement in other nations. The research understands the physical, social and economic status of older adult residents. Their access to humanitarian assistance programs and living conditions were also assessed. The census method of sampling was used and response from all older adult residents were taken. Suggestions from the residents through this research aims to aid the future policy making and governance for the benefit of the residents.


INTRODUCTION
As defined by the United Nations in 1951, a refugee is someone who is unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.In this process of forced displacement, these refugees are challenged with a multitude of problems.On humanitarian grounds, some countries take them in and as a result there is a rising need for more knowledge on the refugee's population to help them better.In Sri Lanka, the island country located in Southern Asia in the Indian Ocean, a war broke out between the Sri Lankan Government constituting the Sinhalese majority and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the militant organization constituting the Tamil minority.The war lasted from 1951 to 2009 resulting in widespread violence, forced displacement and human rights abuses.Many Sri Lankan Tamil refugees moved to nearby nations, notably India, as a result of the country's civil war prolonged.Among these refugees, a considerable number are older adults who have spent a significant portion of their lives in refugee camps.Because of the displacement, the trauma from the conflict, and the aging process itself, these older residents have a unique set of necessities and difficulties.This study intends to thoroughly study the status and well-being of the older adult resident population living in Tamil Nadu's Sri Lankan refugee camps, with an emphasis on the Puzhal Camp.The refugees arrived to India in a rescued by the Indian army in the year 1989.Initially, they were placed in camps outside Chennai.But they were asked to stay in a godown with poor ventilation and extreme • Email: editor@ijfmr.com

IJFMR240320316
Volume 6, Issue 3, May-June 2024 2 heat along with around 60 families together.As reported by the residents, living was simply impossible there and hence they shifted to the refugees' camp in Rameshwaram in 1990.On 25 th December 1990, the refugees were shifted to the Puzhal jail in Chennai.The Puzhal jail was the home for refugees for seven years until 27 th July 1997.During that time, as a part of safety and precaution, men were not allowed to leave the premises at all.However, women were allowed to go get groceries and other essentials upon request.As a year passed by, they were also allowed to help with domestic work nearby to earn some money, with high restrictions for the sake of safety.1997, the refugees camp in Puzhal was successfully established with 350 homes.These homes have the dimension of a basic 10ft X10ft and bathrooms are a common sharing facility type.They notably had financial assistance programs from 1997 starting with Rs. 75 for men, Rs. 55 for women and Rs.35 for children below 18 years.The elderly residents in these camps are at the vulnerability of facing several challenges, including limited access to healthcare, economic instability, social isolation, and mental health issues.Until this day, there is limited research data that provides a detailed understanding of their living conditions and overall wellbeing.This study aims to bridge the gap by conducting a full-fledged examination of the status of the elderly in these camps.Understanding their unique needs and challenges is vital for designing targeted interventions and policies to enhance their quality of life.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
As told by the Expert Group Meeting on Older Persons in Emergency Crisis (2019), 3% of refugees were over 60 years of age constituting the elderly population in 2017.Some peculiar information from the report also revealed that older persons in forced displacement often faced difficulties fleeing and could be left behind to safeguard property.Barriers to accessing humanitarian aid, such as food and non-food item distributions, as well as challenges in obtaining water and fuel, were magnified by issues related to mobility constraints, health conditions, disabilities, and caregiving responsibilities particularly to the older adults.Finally older persons were at an elevated risk of human rights abuses, such as violence, exploitation, and abuse.They also faced restrictions on the right to work and the right to health.According to the Health status and health needs of older refugees from Syria in Lebanon report (2015), two-thirds of older refugees described their health status as poor or very poor.Older refugees had inadequate diets, with reports of regularly reducing portion sizes, skipping meals and limiting intake of fruits, vegetables, and meats.Often, these actions were taken to provide more food for younger family members.61% of refugees reported feeling anxious and significant proportions of older adults reported feelings of depression, loneliness and believing they were a burden to their families.Looking into the article, Acute needs of older Ukrainian refugees and those with disabilities must not be overlooked (2023) by UNHCR, it was observed that among those households interviewed, 13% had one or more older adults living with them and they all faced a great challenge in accessing to healthcare as compared to the others.92% of the older adults were struggling to meet their basic needs and were most likely to return back to Ukraine despite the deadly war.
As told by Jacob Juhad (2017), the status of the elderly Rohingya refugees, who fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh is particularly critical.Elderly refugees had to be cocooned in blankets and carried for extended periods.The risk factor multiplied as their journey consisted of dangerous treks along the hills and mountains.
It was common to see elderly grandmothers and grandfathers being dragged along while younger family members carried essential items like sacks of rice.The saddest of all were the elderly Rohingya who were left sitting by the road, too tired or sick to continue their journey, without anyone to assist them.The studies by R. Sankar (2019) depict that there are 66,156 Sri Lankan refugees living in around 113 refugee camps in Tamil Nadu alone that are arranged in 28 out of 32 districts inside the state.However, this study especially emphasized children and left a wide scope of research for the older adults in the population.
The troubles don't stop post migration, as the refugees still face some political impacts even after leaving their homeland Sri Lanka (Miriam Kuttikat, 2015).Many respondents from a study complained that they will be randomly questioned if they support LTTE and irrespective of what they answer, they will still be taken away and even killed sometimes.
Valatheeswaran C and Irudaya Rajan S (May 2011) found that the focuses on the prolonged presence of Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka in Tamil Nadu, India, where they have been under police observation ever since the Indian Prime Minister was murdered.It examines the flow of refugees into India and back out of Sri Lanka during a three-decade period of time, as well as the actions taken by the government to guarantee their wellbeing.This research analyzes the livelihood strategies of refugees utilizing a primary survey of 100 homes and 12 case studies.It highlights their ability to receive humanitarian aid from the State Government as well as their wide range of methods of subsistence, such as looking for work outside of the camps, making use of both national and international social networks, traveling briefly and placing a high value on the education of their children.
According to the study, incorporating migrants into the community-especially those who are married to Indian citizens-may offer a long-term solution for their future in India.
According to Gladston Xavier G (2009), in recent times, forced migration has evolved into a major global issue due to natural disasters, initiatives for development, and conflicts.There are currently about 1 billion refugees in the world, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).Of those, 60% are internally displaced people (IDPs) within their own countries, and 40% are those seeking protection across borders.As a result of ongoing disputes and rapid growth, developing regions-particularly Africa and Asia-bear the weight of this displacement.The UNHCR was established in 1951 because of the Holocaust and World War II, which highlighted the significance of refugees on the international agenda.
A person who is fleeing violence due to their nationality, religion, racial or ethnic background, or political opinion qualifies to be a refugee under the UNHCR Declaration on Refugees.The UNHCR's responsibilities were extended to protect refugees worldwide by the 1967 Refugee Protocol, as a response to the increasing number of people escaping their homes.But as the situation escalated, more attention was required, which encouraged the creation of local organizations.In 1969, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was founded, which was an important milestone for regional efforts to safeguard refugees.The humanitarian crisis of displaced people continued in challenging international responses despite this progress.The OAU and other regional bodies were significant in managing displacement especially due to geographic circumstances.However, further attempts to improve global collaboration and cement refugee protection institutions are required due to the longevity of displacement issues.
Radhakrishnan R K et.al (2022) found that, a significant international concern in today's world is displacement, with a remarkable 79.5 million people-roughly 1% of the world's population-being displaced in 2019 because of conflict or natural calamities.Over 26 million refugees have been recognized as such worldwide, nearly doubling the number from 2010.In low-income nations, almost 60% of those who have been transferred live.Sustainable solutions are sought for by refugees and those who have been forcibly relocated, yet the changing situation suggests that displacement is not a passing event.As consequently, India does not have a mandate to aid refugees and doesn't have a national refugee policy.Basic rights and protection are often unavailable to refugees in the absence of specific laws.Domestic sentiments, which are often accompanied by tactical ambiguity, have an impact on Indian refugee policies.Despite this, India has received recognition for its generally kind approach to refugees despite its lack of a consistent policy.About 9,458 refugees have registered with UNHCR in India as of 2019, while 160,000 additional individuals have been recognized as refugees by India because UNHCR granted identity cards for them.Shreyasi Bhattacharya (2024) in their article, they address issues about India's refugee protection policy and examines the country's response to the present refugee crises, with a focus on Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Myanmar.Because of the political instability brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic and other events, Sri Lanka has been witnessing a severe economic crisis since 2022.As a result, many Sri Lankans have relocated to neighboring countries, in particular India.Sri Lankan migrants have made Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu their prominent destination; they often take unauthorized routes to get there.Despite challenges, India has shown tolerance and welcomed the Tamil people of Sri Lanka.It has also given significant financial aid to Sri Lanka, including $3.5 billion, and budgeted ₹80 crore for refugee welfare programs in 2021-2022.Assisting the refugee population is the primary objective of these initiatives, which also include free clothing, cheaper rice, and cash aid.The article emphasizes the significance of addressing refugee protection and welfare while emphasizing the complexity of refugee crises and India's approach.Akshaya Nath (2016) they found Due to the terrible conditions in their homeland and the optimism of a brighter future for their children amid instability and warfare, over one million Sri Lankan refugees have filed applications for asylum in India.The 109 camps for refugees in Tamil Nadu have been reported to have horrible living conditions.For these refugees, the AIADMK party guaranteed dual citizenship.
Between 1983 and 1987, more than 134,000 Tamil Sri Lankans traversed the Palk Strait into India during the first phase of immigration.In the following phases, more people went to southern India in search of refuge.Currently, 109 camps in Tamil Nadu are home to over 60,000 refugees, highlighting the persisting misery of Sri Lankans who have been forced from their homelands due to conflict and their need for safety in neighboring countries like India.

RADHAKRISHNAN R K et.al (2022) in their study investigates the resettlement of Rohingyas and Sri
Lankan Tamils in Tamil Nadu, India, in the absence of international laws or national policies.These refugee groups have made it into local society with minimal help from the government, despite the fact that India is not a participant to the UN Refugee Convention.Titled "Rohingyas and Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Tamil Nadu: a replicable model of semi-permanent resettlement in low-resource settings," the study was published in January 2022 and highlights the manner in which the refugees have overcome challenges like poor infrastructure to rebuild their lives, especially in the area of education.It highlights the refugees' flexibility and determination, demonstrating that they are able to meet their most basic requirements.However, the report points out areas which need development, particularly regarding housing and health, indicating the necessity of better support systems.Overall, it indicates that the refugees in Tamil Nadu have proven capable of effectively integrating into local communities despite their lack of official laws or legal frameworks, providing knowledge for related contexts internationally.Soumya K S (2023) found that the Tamils from Sri Lanka who lost their possessions in their country's civil war sought refuge in Tamil Nadu.They have been divided into two groups: the original Tamil people and the Hill Tamils, who originally arrived by the British to plant tea in Sri Lanka's hilly areas.
As Hill Tamils became more widely recognized, tensions increased and chaos resulted.Four camps for refugees-Perumalpuram, Pazhavilai, Gnaranvilai, and Kozhivilai-house displaced people in the Kanyakumari District.There are 542 people living in Perumalpuram, Agastheeswaram Taluk; Pazhavilai has 211; Gnaranvilai has 125; and Kozhvilai has 320.Through a number of programs, the Tamil Nadu government offers protection to refugees from Sri Lanka.The thousands of this banished struggle to fit in with Tamil Nadu society because of language obstacles, cultural differences, and a lack of employment opportunities.Their resettlement is still a complex issue even with support from the government.These camps' presence serves as a reminder of the persisted humanitarian effects of the civil conflict in Sri Lanka along with the constant demand for help and focus about the refugees.

METHODOLOGY
3.1 Title: Status of Older Adult Residents of Sri Lankan Refugee Camp in Puzhal.

Aim:
The aim of the Study focuses on the Status of Older Adult Residents of Sri Lankan Refugee Camp in Puzhal.

Objectives of the study
1. To study the socio-demographic details of the aged refugees.2. To examine the access to social and healthcare services.3. To analyse the economic stability and livelihoods of the elderly.4. To understand the social interactions and support networks of the elderly.5. To study the living conditions of elderly residents.6.To analyse the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance programs.

Definition Conceptual Definition
Refugee: As defined by the United Nations in 1951, a refugee is unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.

Operational Definition
Refugee: A person escaping their country due to unfavorable living conditions and seeking shelter in another country for temporary or permanent settlement is called a refugee.

Research design
Research design is a blueprint, the framework in which the research takes place.The research design guides the way in which the research will progress.The researcher used descriptive research design.Descriptive research design is a type of research design that aims to systematically obtain information to describe a phenomenon, situation, or population.

Universe:
The universe is the total population where the researcher gets the sample for the study.The universe of this study is the Older Adult Sri Lankan refugees in the camp in Puzhal.

Sampling Technique:
Sampling Technique are means or methods through which the data is being collected from the samples.

Tools:
For the data collection, the census method was adopted where inputs from all the members of the targeted population will be gathered and studied.Primary data and secondary data are used in this research.Primary data is the data obtained or collected directly.In this research, data was directly collected from samples.Secondary data is the data obtained from other sources.Secondary data is collected from books, journals, articles, etc.The researchers employed an interview schedule as a tool as the primary instrument for data collection, comprising sections for demographic information alongside inquiries formulated by the researchers.They have also used the HADS 14 (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) scale for the mental health aspect of the research.HADS is a fourteen item selfreporting scale.Pretesting is a method of verifying the tool of data collection and altering the tool based on the feedback given by the respondents.The pre-test was done with 5 respondents.

MAJOR FINDINGS
1. Majority of respondents rated communication as "Good" (58.3%), followed by "Excellent" (38.3%), indicating overall satisfaction with communication quality.2. The majority of respondents relied on "Assistance Program" (73.3%) rather than "Employment" (26.7%) as their primary source of income.3. The largest portion of respondents reported their economic situation as "Stable" (40%), followed by "Unstable" (30%), indicating a mixed perception of economic stability among the surveyed population.4. Table 4.A significant majority (78.3%) of respondents have undergone vocational training, suggesting a proactive approach towards skill development.5.A notable proportion (38.3%) of respondents acknowledged facing challenges, indicating the presence of socio-economic obstacles in their lives.6.A substantial portion (38.3%) of respondents reported an improvement in their economic situation, while a smaller percentage (16.7%)indicated a decline.7. Most respondents (55%) reported engaging in social activities occasionally, highlighting a moderate level of social interaction.8. Family connections (53.3%) were the most relied upon social network, followed by friends (40%) and neighbors (6.7%).9. Nearly half of the respondents (48.3%) reported facing social challenges, suggesting the presence of social barriers in their environment.10.The majority of respondents (88.3%) reported satisfaction with their social interactions, with none indicating dissatisfaction.11.A large majority (88.3%) of respondents reported engaging in community-building activities, indicating a sense of participation and belonging.12.The majority of respondents (80%) reported a strong sense of community, highlighting social cohesion within the surveyed population.13.Most respondents (56.7%) rated their living conditions as "Good," indicating overall satisfaction, while a smaller portion (8.3%) reported dissatisfaction.14. 1Table 4. A majority of respondents (56.7%) reported facing challenges in their living conditions, highlighting areas for improvement.15.While a significant portion (43.3%) reported being very satisfied with their housing, a notable percentage (21.7%)remained neutral, suggesting varying levels of satisfaction.16.The majority of respondents (58.3%) reported feeling very safe, indicating a sense of security within their living environment.

SUGGESTIONS Mental Health Support:
The residents could be provided with psychiatric and counseling assistance inside camp to help them cope with trauma, loneliness, and depression that may be caused worse by their isolation and displacement.
Employment: Providing elderly refugees with a chance to work in meaningful jobs and make money in the camp, such small-scale entrepreneurship, horticultural projects, or handcraft production.
Infrastructure Improvements: Ensure that the camp provides the necessary facilities, such as street lights, accessible toilets, and specially designed rest spaces, to satisfy the mobility and accessibility requirements of its elderly residents.Technology Access and Training: Offer elder refugees access to technology, such as computers or smartphones, and conduct workshops to teach them how to use it for communication, information access, and maintaining relationships with family and friends.This will improve their quality of life and eliminate feelings of loneliness.
Collaboration with NGOs and Local Organizations: Establish collaborations with local charities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community-based organizations to benefit from their networks, resources, and experience in supporting senior refugees.Working together can increase the effectiveness of interventions and ensure a comprehensive strategy for meeting the needs of senior refugees in refugee camps.

CONCLUSION
sThe study on the Status of Elderly in a Sri Lankan Refugee Camp in Puzhal, Chennai, highlights an important but frequently overlooked dimension of the refugee population.A thorough examination of their psychological, health, and economical aspects provides important new perspectives on how complicated their everyday lives are.Their vulnerability is made worse by a lack of job opportunities and inadequate resources, which leads to uncertain living situations and an increased reliance on government aid.These initiatives include educational courses, social activities, and healthcare services tailored with their needs in consideration.In conclusion, the study offers a thorough assessment of the challenges encountered by senior refugees in the camp in Puzhal, Chennai.It illustrates the struggles they encounter while also recognizing their resilience, sense of belonging, and courage.We can assist elderly refugees in humanitarian contexts achieve more dignity, protection, and well-being by utilizing their abilities and tending to their unique needs.

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Table 4 .2. DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS BASED ON THEIR SOURCE OF INCOME. S.NO Source of Income FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
Total 60 100 The above data illustrates sources of income, with "Employment" and "Assistance Program" as categories."Employment" accounts for 16 instances, representing 26.7% of the total, while "Assistance Program" accounts for 44 instances, making up 73.3%.

Table 4 .9. DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS BASED ON THE SOCIAL CHALLENGES OR ISOLATION THEY EXPERIENCE WITHIN THE CAMP. S.NO SOCIAL CHALLENGES FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
This data explores respondents' experiences with social challenges, categorized as "Yes," "No," and "Not Sure."Among the 60 respondents, 29 (48.3%)indicated facing social challenges, 26 (43.3%) reported not facing any, and 5 (8.3%) were unsure.

Table 4 .11 DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS BASED ON THEIR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY-BUILDING INITIATIVES AND PROGRAMS. S.NO COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES FREQUENCY
respondents' participation in community building activities, with options for "Yes" and "No."Among the 60 respondents, 53 (88.3%) reported engaging in such activities, while 7 (11.7%)did not.

Table 4 .35. DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS BASED ON THEIR EXPERIENCES IN ACCESSING SOCIAL OR HEALTHCARE SERVICES. S.NO CHALLENGES IN ACCESSING SOCIAL SERVICES FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
challenges in accessing social services, categorized as "Yes," "No," and "Not sure."Among the 60 respondents, 20 (33.3%) reported facing challenges, 29 (48.3%) did not, and 11 (18.3%) were unsure.

Table 4 .38. DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS BASED ON THEIR AGE
respondents by age, spanning from 60 to 76 years old.The most prevalent age group is 60, comprising 21.7% of the total respondents, followed by age 62 with 13.3%.The distribution gradually decreases with increasing age, with age 65 representing 10%, and ages 66 to 76 each accounting for 3.3%.