Socialization Experiences of Older Adults In Indian Old Age Homes

India’s aging population is expanding rapidly, challenging traditional family-based elder care systems and increasing reliance on institutional alternatives such as Old Age Homes (OAHs). This study aims to explore how institutionalized older adults in Indian OAHs experience socialization and how this influences their identity and emotional well-being. This paper investigates how older adults cope with shifting roles, institutional living, and search for belonging in settings of the OAH. Using a phenomenological design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 cognitively sound OAH residents aged 60+, each living in the facility for at least six months. Data were analyzed thematically. Thematic analysis was adopted to identify patterns in social interaction, identity formation, micro-environmental impact, and well-being. Primary findings indicate that institutional infrastructure, interaction, and culturally sensitive care philosophies strongly mediate social participation and resilience among the elderly. Additionally, loneliness, dynamic roles, and reduced kinship networks deeply affect their psychological adjustment. It was also inferred that novel relationships, communal participation, and helpful staff serve as factors that favor social integration. This study adds to the limited Indian literature on institutional aging and underscores the need for eldercare policies that promote autonomy and social integration. IndexTerms -Old Age Homes, Socialization, Older Adults, Social Identity, Social Interactions, Well-Being.