Can we've the joint family system back?

About thirty years back, ailments like 'Alzheimer's' and 'Parkinson's syndrome' were unheard of in India.

Then how've they become very common these days? What has changed drastically in our country? One doesn't have to search too hard to find an answer because the most significant thing that has happened out here is the break up of the joint family system. Gone are the days when the patriarch ruled his family with a firm but gentle hand. He was aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each member of his family and took remedial measures in his own way as deemed fit. An occasional rebellion within the family would be quelled with damage control measures that were swift and forthcoming - there was no dithering whatsoever!

Stories abound when the patriarch ensured that one of his many children would be chosen to be with him, to look after the family assets and assist him in his daily chores. The other children who'd gone out into the outside world, in search of their livelihood, would be told to send a small portion of their monthly emoluments to the patriarch himself, which would be suitably doled out to the son with him as remuneration and mind you, no one dared to question that arrangement!

Apart from the economic control, the patriarch used to insist on the annual get together of the family under his roof for the simple reason that every child was aware of his or her family tree!

And what was the outcome? There was no feeling of loneliness even if the patriarch's sprawling house was in the remotest corner of the earth. There was a general sense of wellness and the nice feel of being wanted - a sense of belonging! It's this aspect that has taken a beating upon the break up of the joint family system. And it goes without saying that loneliness triggers ailments like the Alzheimer's and the Parkinson's - their medical reasons not withstanding!!

Will the joint family system ever come back? Not in its original sense, I suppose. But increasing cases of like minded friends conglomerating to live in colonies - with familiar people in their lives - or at a stone's throw away from each other is a case in point - the joint family system is coming back in a refurbished way to suit the need of the times!