Population ageing and the eventual growth in the number of the elderly all over the globe is one of the by - products of demographic transition. Adoption of small family norms, the changing economy, technological boom and new life style have influenced the structure and the functioning of families and their capacity to care for the elderly. This has led to the increased number of old age homes. Resultantly, how far these old age homes complement home atmosphere for the elderly is an issue worth mulling over. This book attempts to ascertain how these institutions and own homes help the 300 elderly from old age homes of Madurai district ,Tamil Nadu and also a comparative group of 300 from own homes between the age group of 60 and 90 years in happy ageing. The elements of happiness that the Respondents from Own Homes (ROH) agree with differ from that of the Respondents from Old Age Homes (ROAH). The ROAH are very happy in terms of their cognitive well - being, religiosity and functional autonomy. Life satisfaction is very high among ROH. Economic security and inter - family relationship are very poor among both ROAH and ROH.