Vṛddhāśrama
/ˌvrɪd.dʰɑːˈʃrɑː.mə/noun
A residential institution or home for elderly people, especially in South Asian usage.
Did you know?In classical Hindu thought, āśrama also referred to a stage of life, so vṛddhāśrama can echo the idea that old age is a distinct spiritual phase—not merely decline.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*werdh-
“To grow or increase; the probable ancestral root behind Sanskrit vṛdh.”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
vṛdh
“To grow, increase, prosper, or become strong.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
vṛddha
“Grown, mature, old, or aged.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
āśrama
“A hermitage or religious retreat; also a recognized stage of human life.”
Modern Indo-Aryan
Hindi
vṛddhāśram / वृद्धाश्रम
“A home or institution for elderly people.”
Modern English
English
vriddhashram / vṛddhāśrama
“A South Asian English term for an old-age home or retirement residence.”