One in four elderly persons in India lives alone, ElderAid aims for holistic assistance

Hyderabad: A Delhi-based NGO, Agewell Foundation, has stated that nearly one-fourth of the elderly population in the country is living alone. The survey was done based on a sample size of 10,000 elderly respondents.

Agewell Foundation found that almost every fourth elderly i.e., 23.44 per cent of the respondents was living alone in the country.

India is witnessing a demographic shift, with the percentage of elderly individuals aged 60 years and above projected to rise from 10.5 per cent in 2022 to 15 per cent by 2036.

Almost 48% live with a spouse alone

“Almost every second elderly (48.88 per cent) is living with their spouse only, while about 26.5 per cent are living with their children or other family members,” the survey reported.

The condition is worse in urban areas, where 25.3 per cent of elderly people are found living alone in comparison to 21.38 per cent in rural areas.

It was also observed that a larger number of older persons preferred to live alone or with their spouses only. And though they enjoyed their independence, the problem for them lies in their being ‘financially dependent’ on others.

“Only 36.81 were financially independent in the autumn of their life,” the survey claimed.

On the other hand, 68.24 per cent enjoyed ideological independence, 60.54 per cent psychological independence, 69.54 per cent social independence and 61.81 per cent physical independence.

Rising trends of migration

The trend of children leaving their homes for career opportunities is contributing to the increase in the number of elderly individuals living alone.

According to a Ministry of External Affairs report, millions of Indians migrate overseas annually, seeking professional growth. This migration pattern underscores the need for support systems for the elderly left behind.

ElderAid: A Beacon of Support:

ElderAid Wellness emerges as a significant player in addressing the challenges faced by India's ageing population. With a focus on providing holistic support, ElderAid aims to bridge the gap for seniors, particularly those living alone.

Comprehensive Support Services:

ElderAid offers a suite of services designed to cater to the diverse needs of senior citizens. From emergency medical support to arranging for caregivers and home nurses, ElderAid ensures that elders receive timely and reliable assistance. Moreover, the company's emphasis on elder wellness events and common interest groups fosters a sense of community and belonging among the elderly.

Mondira and Ritika Jaisimha, City Heads of ElderAid in Hyderabad/Secunderabad, emphasize the importance of providing holistic support to seniors:

“With an increasing number of people relocating for professional growth, a significant number of the elderly in our country end up living all alone. This is where companies like ours aim to be the safety net for the physical and mental well-being of seniors, especially those that live alone." they quoted.

Expanding Reach:

ElderAid currently operates in Bangalore, Hyderabad/Secunderabad, Chennai, and Palakkad, with plans to expand to other cities. The company's expansion efforts signify a commitment to reaching and supporting a wider segment of India's ageing population.

“As India's elderly population grows and more individuals migrate for career opportunities, the need for comprehensive support systems becomes increasingly apparent” Mondira concluded.