वृद्धाश्रम in 30 Seconds
- Vriddhashram means 'old age home' in Hindi.
- It is a compound of 'Vriddha' (old) and 'Ashram' (shelter).
- It is a masculine noun used for retirement facilities.
- The term is significant in discussions about Indian social changes.
The term वृद्धाश्रम (Vriddhashram) is a compound Sanskrit-derived Hindi noun that translates literally to 'old age hermitage' or 'refuge for the elderly.' In modern parlance, it refers to a residential facility, retirement home, or assisted living center specifically designed for senior citizens who either lack family support or choose to live independently among peers. The word carries a deep sociological weight in India, where the traditional joint family system historically dictated that children care for their parents at home. Consequently, the mention of a Vriddhashram often evokes complex emotions ranging from modernization and independence to abandonment and social shift.
- Etymological Breakdown
- The word is formed by 'Vriddha' (aged/old) and 'Ashram' (a place of spiritual retreat or shelter). Historically, an Ashram was a place for the final stages of life (Sannyasa), but today it is used for social institutions.
शहर के किनारे एक नया वृद्धाश्रम खुला है जहाँ सभी सुविधाएँ उपलब्ध हैं। (A new old age home has opened on the outskirts of the city where all facilities are available.)
Usage of this word is common in social debates, news reporting regarding the aging population, and literature exploring the generation gap. While in Western contexts 'retirement home' is a neutral logistical term, in Hindi, वृद्धाश्रम is often used in discussions about moral duties (Dharma) and the changing structure of Indian society. You will hear it in documentaries, soap operas (often as a plot point about a neglected parent), and in government policy announcements regarding social welfare for the elderly.
- Formal vs. Informal
- वृद्धाश्रम is the standard formal term. In very informal settings, people might just say 'Old age home' (using English words) or 'Buzurgo ka ghar', but 'Vriddhashram' remains the most respected and widely understood term.
हमें वृद्धाश्रम में जाकर बुजुर्गों की सेवा करनी चाहिए। (We should go to the old age home and serve the elderly.)
Using वृद्धाश्रम correctly requires understanding its role as a masculine noun. It typically functions as the object of a sentence or a location. Because it is a place, it is frequently followed by postpositions like 'में' (in), 'से' (from), or 'को' (to). When constructing sentences, it is important to maintain a respectful tone, as the word pertains to the elder generation which is highly revered in Hindi-speaking cultures.
- Common Grammatical Patterns
- 1. [Subject] + [वृद्धाश्रम] + [में] + [Verb] (e.g., वह वृद्धाश्रम में रहता है - He lives in an old age home).
2. [वृद्धाश्रम] + [का/की/के] + [Noun] (e.g., वृद्धाश्रम के नियम - Rules of the old age home).
कई लोग अपनी इच्छा से वृद्धाश्रम चुनते हैं ताकि वे अकेले न रहें। (Many people choose old age homes by their own will so they are not alone.)
When talking about the physical building, you use 'वृद्धाश्रम' as a concrete noun. When talking about the social institution or the phenomenon, it can be slightly more abstract. For instance, 'वृद्धाश्रमों की बढ़ती संख्या' (the increasing number of old age homes) refers to a societal trend. Note that the plural form in the oblique case (when followed by a postposition) becomes 'वृद्धाश्रमों'.
सरकार को हर जिले में एक सरकारी वृद्धाश्रम बनाना चाहिए। (The government should build a government old age home in every district.)
In everyday life in India, वृद्धाश्रम is a word that pops up in specific socio-cultural contexts. You will encounter it most frequently in news reports discussing the 'Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act'. Journalists use it to highlight stories of elderly people who have found a new family within these institutions. It is also a staple in Hindi cinema and literature, often used to create emotional resonance regarding the breakdown of traditional values.
- News & Media
- Headline: 'महानगरों में वृद्धाश्रमों की मांग बढ़ी' (Demand for old age homes has increased in metropolitan cities). Here, the word is used analytically to describe urban growth and changing demographics.
कल टीवी पर एक वृद्धाश्रम की कहानी दिखाई गई जो दिल को छू लेने वाली थी। (Yesterday a story of an old age home was shown on TV which was heart-touching.)
Social workers and NGOs use the term when seeking donations or volunteers. You might see posters or social media advertisements saying 'वृद्धाश्रम के लिए दान दें' (Donate for the old age home). In casual conversation, it might come up when discussing a neighbor or relative: 'उनके बच्चे विदेश चले गए, इसलिए वे अब वृद्धाश्रम में रहते हैं' (Their children went abroad, so they now live in an old age home). It is rarely used as a joke; the word carries a sense of gravity and dignity.
For English speakers learning Hindi, the most common mistake is confusing वृद्धाश्रम with other 'Ashrams' or institutions. While 'Ashram' can mean a spiritual retreat, adding 'Vriddha' specifically limits it to the elderly. Another frequent error is mispronouncing the 'vri' (वृ) sound. It is not 'vree' or 'vru', but a vocalic 'r' sound (like the 'ri' in 'riddle' but shorter).
- Confusion with 'Anathalay'
- Learners often confuse 'Vriddhashram' with 'Anathalay' (Orphanage). While both are charitable institutions, 'Anathalay' is for children without parents, whereas 'Vriddhashram' is for parents without children (or those whose children cannot care for them).
गलत: वह बच्चों के वृद्धाश्रम में काम करता है। (Wrong: He works in a children's old age home.)
सही: वह अनाथालय में काम करता है। (Correct: He works in an orphanage.)
Another mistake is using the word 'वृद्धाश्रम' to describe a general nursing home or hospital. A hospital is 'अस्पताल' (Aspataal) or 'चिकित्सालय' (Chikitsalay). A 'Vriddhashram' is specifically a residence. Even if it has medical facilities, the primary definition is a home. Finally, ensure you don't confuse it with 'Dharamshala' (a rest house for travelers/pilgrims).
While वृद्धाश्रम is the most standard term, several synonyms and related terms exist depending on the register of speech. In legal or highly formal documents, you might see 'वरिष्ठ नागरिक गृह' (Senior Citizen Home). In poetic or literary Hindi, 'वृद्ध-वास' (Old age residence) might be used. Understanding these nuances helps in reading various types of texts.
- Comparison of Terms
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- वृद्धाश्रम (Vriddhashram): Standard, common, carries social/emotional weight.
- वरिष्ठ नागरिक आवास (Varishth Nagarik Awas): Modern, neutral, often used for luxury retirement communities.
- आश्रय स्थल (Aashray Sthal): General shelter; less specific but can refer to a refuge for the elderly.
आजकल लोग 'रिटायरमेंट होम' शब्द का प्रयोग करना अधिक पसंद करते हैं क्योंकि यह सुनने में अधिक आधुनिक लगता है। (Nowadays people prefer using the word 'Retirement Home' because it sounds more modern.)
When comparing 'Vriddhashram' to 'Vanaprastha' (the ancient Hindu stage of retiring to the forest), the former is a modern institutionalized version of the latter. While 'Vanaprastha' was a spiritual choice, 'Vriddhashram' is often a social necessity. Knowing these distinctions allows for a deeper appreciation of the word's place in the Hindi lexicon.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
While 'Ashram' usually implies a spiritual retreat, 'Vriddhashram' is one of the few modern terms that uses this sacred word for a social institution.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'vri' as 'vree'.
- Missing the aspiration in 'dha'.
- Pronouncing 'shram' as 'sram' (using 's' instead of 'sh').
- Treating 'ashram' as 'as-ram'.
- Ignoring the dental 'd' sound.
Difficulty Rating
The word is long but follows standard phonetic rules.
Requires correct placement of the 'vri' vowel and 'shra' cluster.
The 'vri' sound can be tricky for English natives.
Distinctive sound makes it easy to identify.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Vowel 'ri' (ऋ) usage
वृद्धाश्रम uses the 'vri' (वृ) form.
Compound Nouns (Tatpurusha)
वृद्ध + आश्रम = वृद्धाश्रम.
Oblique Pluralization
वृद्धाश्रम becomes वृद्धाश्रमों before 'में'.
Masculine Noun Agreement
बड़ा वृद्धाश्रम (not बड़ी).
Postpositional phrases
वृद्धाश्रम के लिए (for the old age home).
Examples by Level
यह एक वृद्धाश्रम है।
This is an old age home.
Simple subject-complement structure.
वृद्धाश्रम बड़ा है।
The old age home is big.
Adjective 'bada' matches masculine noun.
वहाँ वृद्ध लोग रहते हैं।
Old people live there.
Use of 'vahaan' (there).
वृद्धाश्रम साफ़ है।
The old age home is clean.
Simple adjective usage.
यह मेरा वृद्धाश्रम है।
This is my old age home.
Possessive pronoun 'mera'.
वृद्धाश्रम में बगीचा है।
There is a garden in the old age home.
Locative case with 'mein'.
वह वृद्धाश्रम कहाँ है?
Where is that old age home?
Interrogative sentence.
मुझे वृद्धाश्रम जाना है।
I have to go to the old age home.
Infinitive + 'hai' for obligation.
शहर में कई वृद्धाश्रम हैं।
There are many old age homes in the city.
Plurality in Hindi.
वृद्धाश्रम में खाना अच्छा मिलता है।
Good food is provided in the old age home.
Passive-like construction with 'milta hai'.
क्या आप वृद्धाश्रम गए हैं?
Have you been to an old age home?
Perfect tense question.
वृद्धाश्रम के पास एक पार्क है।
There is a park near the old age home.
Compound postposition 'ke paas'.
वे वृद्धाश्रम में खुश हैं।
They are happy in the old age home.
Adjective 'khush' remains same for plural.
हमें वृद्धाश्रम की मदद करनी चाहिए।
We should help the old age home.
Use of 'chahiye' for suggestion.
वृद्धाश्रम बहुत दूर नहीं है।
The old age home is not very far.
Negation with 'nahi'.
वह वृद्धाश्रम में काम करती है।
She works in an old age home.
Present habitual tense.
आजकल वृद्धाश्रमों की ज़रूरत बढ़ रही है।
Nowadays the need for old age homes is increasing.
Oblique plural 'vriddhashramon'.
वृद्धाश्रम में रहने वाले लोग अक्सर अकेले होते हैं।
People living in old age homes are often lonely.
Adjectival phrase with 'rahne vaale'.
सरकार वृद्धाश्रम के लिए धन दे रही है।
The government is giving funds for the old age home.
Present continuous tense.
इस वृद्धाश्रम के नियम बहुत सख्त हैं।
The rules of this old age home are very strict.
Genitive case 'ke'.
क्या वृद्धाश्रम में चिकित्सा सुविधाएँ हैं?
Are there medical facilities in the old age home?
Interrogative with 'kya'.
हमें वृद्धाश्रम में जाकर समय बिताना चाहिए।
We should go to the old age home and spend time.
Conjunctive participle 'jaakar'.
वृद्धाश्रम का वातावरण बहुत शांत है।
The atmosphere of the old age home is very peaceful.
Abstract noun 'vaatavaran'.
वह वृद्धाश्रम के बारे में एक लेख लिख रहा है।
He is writing an article about old age homes.
Compound postposition 'ke baare mein'.
वृद्धाश्रमों का बढ़ता प्रचलन समाज में बदलाव का संकेत है।
The increasing trend of old age homes is a sign of change in society.
Complex subject phrase.
वृद्धाश्रम में बुजुर्गों को उचित सम्मान मिलना चाहिए।
Elderly people should get proper respect in old age homes.
Passive expectation with 'milna chahiye'.
कई वृद्धाश्रम एनजीओ द्वारा चलाए जाते हैं।
Many old age homes are run by NGOs.
Passive voice 'chalaye jaate hain'.
वृद्धाश्रम के निवासियों के लिए मनोरंजन की व्यवस्था है।
There is arrangement for entertainment for the residents of the old age home.
Use of 'ke liye' and 'ki vyavastha'.
आधुनिक युग में वृद्धाश्रम एक आवश्यकता बन गए हैं।
In the modern era, old age homes have become a necessity.
Perfect tense with 'ban gaye hain'.
वृद्धाश्रम में स्वास्थ्य देखभाल सबसे महत्वपूर्ण है।
Health care is most important in an old age home.
Superlative 'sabse mahatvapurn'.
उसने अपने माता-पिता को वृद्धाश्रम भेजने का फैसला किया।
He decided to send his parents to an old age home.
Infinitive as object 'bhejne ka'.
वृद्धाश्रम की स्थिति सुधारने के लिए कड़े कदम उठाने होंगे।
Strict steps will have to be taken to improve the condition of old age homes.
Future obligation 'uthane honge'.
वृद्धाश्रम की अवधारणा भारतीय संस्कृति के लिए नई है।
The concept of old age homes is new to Indian culture.
Abstract noun 'avadharana'.
वृद्धाश्रमों में मनोवैज्ञानिक परामर्श की भी सुविधा होनी चाहिए।
There should also be facilities for psychological counseling in old age homes.
Complex noun phrases.
संयुक्त परिवारों के टूटने से वृद्धाश्रमों की मांग बढ़ी है।
The breakdown of joint families has increased the demand for old age homes.
Causal construction with 'se'.
वृद्धाश्रम को केवल एक आश्रय नहीं, बल्कि एक घर समझना चाहिए।
An old age home should be understood as a home, not just a shelter.
Correlative 'keval nahi... balki'.
वृद्धाश्रम के संचालन में पारदर्शिता अनिवार्य है।
Transparency is mandatory in the operation of an old age home.
Formal vocabulary 'sanchalan', 'anivarya'.
कुछ लोग वृद्धाश्रम को सामाजिक कलंक मानते हैं।
Some people consider old age homes a social stigma.
Direct object with 'maante hain'.
वृद्धाश्रम में रहने वाले वरिष्ठ नागरिकों के अधिकारों की रक्षा होनी चाहिए।
The rights of senior citizens living in old age homes must be protected.
Passive with 'honi chahiye'.
वृद्धाश्रम एक ऐसी जगह है जहाँ पीढ़ियों का अंतर स्पष्ट दिखता है।
An old age home is a place where the generation gap is clearly visible.
Relative clause 'jahaan'.
वृद्धाश्रमों का संस्थागत ढांचा समय की मांग के अनुरूप विकसित होना चाहिए।
The institutional framework of old age homes should evolve in accordance with the needs of the times.
Highly formal 'sansthaagat dhaancha'.
वृद्धाश्रम के अस्तित्व ने पारंपरिक पारिवारिक मूल्यों पर प्रश्नचिह्न लगा दिया है।
The existence of old age homes has put a question mark on traditional family values.
Idiomatic 'prashnachinn laga dena'.
आर्थिक आत्मनिर्भरता वृद्धाश्रम में गरिमापूर्ण जीवन की कुंजी है।
Economic self-reliance is the key to a dignified life in an old age home.
Metaphorical usage.
वृद्धाश्रमों की बढ़ती संख्या हमारे सामाजिक ताने-बाने में आ रहे बदलावों का प्रतिबिंब है।
The increasing number of old age homes is a reflection of the changes occurring in our social fabric.
Metaphorical 'taane-baane'.
वृद्धाश्रम के प्रबंधन में संवेदनशीलता और व्यावसायिकता का संतुलन आवश्यक है।
A balance of sensitivity and professionalism is essential in the management of an old age home.
Abstract nouns 'sanvedansheelta', 'vyavsayikta'.
वृद्धाश्रमों को मुख्यधारा के समाज से अलग-थलग नहीं किया जाना चाहिए।
Old age homes should not be isolated from mainstream society.
Passive voice 'kiya jaana chahiye'.
वृद्धाश्रम के निवासियों के मानसिक स्वास्थ्य हेतु गतिविधियों का आयोजन अनिवार्य है।
Organizing activities for the mental health of old age home residents is mandatory.
Formal postposition 'hetu'.
वृद्धाश्रम की सार्थकता तभी है जब वहां प्रेम और अपनत्व का भाव हो।
The significance of an old age home exists only when there is a sense of love and belongingness there.
Conditional 'tabhi... jab'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To seek refuge in an old age home. Used when someone has no other choice.
मजबूरी में उन्होंने वृद्धाश्रम की शरण ली।
— Within the walls of the old age home. Often used poetically to describe isolation.
उनकी दुनिया वृद्धाश्रम की चारदीवारी तक सीमित है।
— To head towards or opt for an old age home.
अब कई अमीर लोग भी वृद्धाश्रम की ओर रुख कर रहे हैं।
— Construction of an old age home.
यहाँ एक नया वृद्धाश्रम का निर्माण हो रहा है।
Often Confused With
Orphanage (for children).
Rest house for travelers.
Hospital (for medical treatment).
Idioms & Expressions
— To be destined for an old age home, usually said as a warning to parents or children.
अगर बच्चे सेवा नहीं करेंगे, तो माँ-बाप को वृद्धाश्रम का रास्ता देखना पड़ेगा।
Colloquial— To live on the charity of an old age home.
इतनी संपत्ति होने के बाद भी वह वृद्धाश्रम की रोटी खा रहा है।
Emotional/Informal— To make an old age home a very happy place.
स्वयंसेवकों ने अपनी मेहनत से इस वृद्धाश्रम को स्वर्ग बना दिया।
Positive/Inspirational— To wander from one home to another (rarely used, usually for searching).
वह एक अच्छे वृद्धाश्रम की धूल छान रहा है।
Metaphorical— The support of an old age home.
अकेलेपन में वृद्धाश्रम का सहारा ही काफी है।
Neutral— To end up in an old age home due to circumstances (negative connotation).
उनका बुढ़ापा वृद्धाश्रम की भेंट चढ़ गया।
Sorrowful— A metaphor for looking out at a world one is no longer part of.
वह घंटों वृद्धाश्रम की खिड़की से बाहर देखता रहता है।
Literary— A small space/existence in an old age home.
उसे बस वृद्धाश्रम का एक कोना चाहिए।
Humble— The societal or financial burden of maintaining such homes.
सरकार पर वृद्धाश्रमों का बोझ बढ़ रहा है।
Economic— The call for help or attention towards these institutions.
हमें वृद्धाश्रम की पुकार सुननी होगी।
RhetoricalEasily Confused
General term.
Ashram can be for yoga, religion, or students. Vriddhashram is only for the elderly.
वह योग आश्रम गया, लेकिन उसके दादाजी वृद्धाश्रम में हैं।
Means house.
Sadan is a formal suffix for many buildings (e.g., Vidhan Sadan). Vriddhashram is a specific institution.
यह सेवा सदन एक वृद्धाश्रम है।
Settlement.
Basti is a colony or slum; Vriddhashram is a single facility.
इस बस्ती में कोई वृद्धाश्रम नहीं है।
Residence.
Awas is a general term for housing. Vriddhashram is specifically for seniors.
यह सरकारी आवास है, वृद्धाश्रम नहीं।
Refuge.
Sharanalay is for refugees or homeless. Vriddhashram is specifically for the elderly.
बाढ़ पीड़ितों के लिए शरणालय बनाया गया, वृद्धाश्रम नहीं।
Sentence Patterns
यह [Noun] है।
यह वृद्धाश्रम है।
वृद्धाश्रम में [Noun] है।
वृद्धाश्रम में बगीचा है।
हमें [Noun] की मदद करनी चाहिए।
हमें वृद्धाश्रम की मदद करनी चाहिए।
आजकल [Noun] बढ़ रहे हैं।
आजकल वृद्धाश्रम बढ़ रहे हैं।
[Noun] की अवधारणा [Adjective] है।
वृद्धाश्रम की अवधारणा महत्वपूर्ण है।
जैसे-जैसे [Noun] बढ़ेंगे, वैसे-वैसे...
जैसे-जैसे वृद्धाश्रम बढ़ेंगे, वैसे-वैसे समाज बदलेगा।
[Noun] का अस्तित्व [Noun] पर निर्भर है।
वृद्धाश्रम का अस्तित्व सामाजिक सहयोग पर निर्भर है।
बिना [Noun] के, बुजुर्ग कहाँ जाएँगे?
बिना वृद्धाश्रम के, बेसहारा बुजुर्ग कहाँ जाएँगे?
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in urban India and news media.
-
वृद्धाश्रम में रहती है (for a man)
→
वृद्धाश्रम में रहता है
The verb must match the subject's gender, not the noun 'Vriddhashram'.
-
वृद्धाश्रमों में (when singular is needed)
→
वृद्धाश्रम में
Don't pluralize unless talking about multiple homes.
Tips
Noun Gender
Always remember it's masculine. This affects the verbs and adjectives you use with it.
Break it down
Vriddha (Old) + Ashram (Home). This makes it easier to remember other words like 'Vriddhavastha' (old age).
Respect
When talking about residents, use 'बुजुर्ग' (elders) or 'वरिष्ठ नागरिक' (senior citizens) instead of just 'बूढ़े लोग'.
Context
Understand that many Indians have strong emotional opinions about Vriddhashrams; use the word carefully in family debates.
The 'Vri' sound
It's like the 'ri' in 'rhythm'. Avoid saying 'Vree-dhashram'.
Spelling
Watch the 'shram' part. It's 'श' + 'र' combined into 'श्र'.
Keywords
If you hear 'pension', 'parivar', or 'seva', the word 'Vriddhashram' is likely to follow.
News Headlines
Look for this word in the 'Social Issues' or 'City' sections of Hindi newspapers.
Formal vs Informal
Use 'Vriddhashram' for formal writing and 'Senior Citizen Home' for modern lifestyle discussions.
Daily use
Try to identify buildings in your city that might be a Vriddhashram and name them in Hindi.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Vriddha' as 'V-Retired' (Very Retired) and 'Ashram' as 'A-Shelter-Room'. A room for the very retired.
Visual Association
Imagine a peaceful garden with a bench where two elderly people are chatting in front of a large, clean building with the Hindi sign 'वृद्धाश्रम'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to write three sentences about why a 'Vriddhashram' is important in a big city like Mumbai.
Word Origin
Derived from Sanskrit 'vṛddha' (grown, old) and 'āśrama' (a stage of life or a place of exertion/rest). In ancient India, life was divided into four 'Ashramas'.
Original meaning: A place for the 'Vriddha' (the aged) to reside during the later stages of life.
Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit)Cultural Context
Be careful when using this word with Indian friends; it can be a sensitive topic regarding their parents.
In English-speaking countries, 'retirement homes' are a standard part of the healthcare system. In Hindi, the term is still transitioning from a 'charity' concept to a 'service' concept.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Social Work
- वृद्धाश्रम में स्वयंसेवा
- दान देना
- मदद करना
- भेंट करना
News Reporting
- बढ़ती संख्या
- सरकारी रिपोर्ट
- सुविधाओं का अभाव
- नए नियम
Family Discussions
- अकेलापन
- देखभाल
- सुरक्षा
- फैसला लेना
Literature
- जीवन की सांध्यबेला
- अपनत्व
- त्याग
- विछोह
Legal
- पंजीकरण
- मानक
- अधिकार
- कानून
Conversation Starters
"क्या आपके शहर में कोई अच्छा वृद्धाश्रम है?"
"क्या आप कभी वृद्धाश्रम गए हैं?"
"वृद्धाश्रम के बारे में आपकी क्या राय है?"
"क्या वृद्धाश्रम में रहना बुरा है?"
"वृद्धाश्रम में बुजुर्गों के लिए क्या सुविधाएँ होनी चाहिए?"
Journal Prompts
वृद्धाश्रम में बिताए एक दिन का वर्णन करें।
क्या भविष्य में वृद्धाश्रमों की संख्या और बढ़ेगी? क्यों?
वृद्धाश्रम बनाम संयुक्त परिवार: कौन सा बेहतर है?
अगर आप एक वृद्धाश्रम खोलें, तो उसमें क्या खास होगा?
एक वृद्ध व्यक्ति की भावनाओं को लिखें जो वृद्धाश्रम में रह रहा है।
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn Hindi, 'Vriddhashram' often implies a charitable or social welfare institution, whereas 'Retirement Home' is a modern term often associated with paid, high-end facilities for independent seniors.
It is a masculine noun. You say 'बड़ा वृद्धाश्रम' (big old age home), not 'बड़ी'.
The direct plural is 'वृद्धाश्रम'. The oblique plural (used with postpositions) is 'वृद्धाश्रमों', e.g., 'वृद्धाश्रमों में'.
Yes, in urban areas, people understand the English term, but 'Vriddhashram' is the proper Hindi word used in writing and formal speech.
It depends on the context. It can be a sensitive topic, so it's best used neutrally or with empathy.
Typically, food (भोजन), shelter (आवास), and medical care (चिकित्सा) are provided.
They are run by the government (सरकार), NGOs (गैर-सरकारी संगठन), and private companies.
No, while it has religious roots, in this context, it simply means a residential facility or refuge.
You can say: 'मैं वृद्धाश्रम में स्वयंसेवा करना चाहता हूँ' (for males) or 'चाहती हूँ' (for females).
There is no direct opposite, but 'संयुक्त परिवार' (joint family) represents the opposite living arrangement.
Summary
वृद्धाश्रम is the standard Hindi word for an old age home. It is a masculine noun used to describe residential care for seniors. Example: 'वृद्धाश्रम में बुजुर्गों का ख्याल रखा जाता है' (Elderly are taken care of in the old age home).
- Vriddhashram means 'old age home' in Hindi.
- It is a compound of 'Vriddha' (old) and 'Ashram' (shelter).
- It is a masculine noun used for retirement facilities.
- The term is significant in discussions about Indian social changes.
Noun Gender
Always remember it's masculine. This affects the verbs and adjectives you use with it.
Break it down
Vriddha (Old) + Ashram (Home). This makes it easier to remember other words like 'Vriddhavastha' (old age).
Respect
When talking about residents, use 'बुजुर्ग' (elders) or 'वरिष्ठ नागरिक' (senior citizens) instead of just 'बूढ़े लोग'.
Context
Understand that many Indians have strong emotional opinions about Vriddhashrams; use the word carefully in family debates.
Related Content
More family words
आबाद
B1Inhabited, prosperous; populated and flourishing.
आँचल
B1Corner of a sari (symbol of mother's protection).
आचरण
B1The way a person behaves; conduct.
आँगन
A2Courtyard; an unroofed area that is completely or mostly enclosed by the walls of a house.
आंगन
A2An open, uncovered area, often paved, adjacent to a house; a courtyard.
आग्रह करना
B1To request; to insist; to ask earnestly or formally.
आज्ञा
B1An instruction or command; permission.
आज्ञा का पालन करना
B1To obey orders or commands.
आज्ञा मानना
A2To obey; to comply with a command or rule.
आज्ञा पालन करना
B1To obey (command/order).
