The family as a social institution has been undergoing change. Both in its structure and function changes have taken place. In India, as in many traditional societies, the family has been not only the center of social and economic life, but also the primary source of support for the family members. With the changing dynamics of family structure, the position and mind set of the elderly has also changed. The lack of interest in competing with others, lack of motivation to do things and the tendency to reminisce in past thoughts, motivates them to develop “old age complex”. Thus, filial responsibilities are weakening and the inter-personal and inter-generational relations are also getting strained. This paper critically examines the impact of these contributing factors on the mental health of elders living in changing Indian families. The present study was conducted to know the changing family structure in which aged are living in Jammu city and its impact on their mental health. The sample for the present study comprised of elderly males and females in the age group of 60 years and above. Socio-Economic Status Scale, Observation and Interview Schedule were the tools used for data collection. Interview schedule and observation was analyzed for their content. Research findings revealed that the geriatric population is left behind due to the industrialization, urbanization and modernization, within the society which in turn leads to several structural changes that are taking place and the ascribed status is replaced by the achieved status, giving rise to the “emptynest syndrome” among them.