A homely touch to elders after kids ‘settle’ abroad

The United Nations projects that Indians over the age of 60 years will double by 2050, constituting almost 19.6 per cent of the total population. The country is experiencing a rapid increase in its elderly population due to an increase in life-expectancy of its people. As per the 2011 Census, people aged 60 and above numbered 103 million, accounting for 8.6 per cent of the entire population. This went up to 139 million in 2021, nearly 10 per cent of Indian population. According to the ‘Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections for India and States 2011-2036, there were around 138 million elderly persons in India in 2021 (of them 71 million females) and is further expected to increase by around 56 million in 2031. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, due to improved medical care and increased access to healthcare services, which are boosting life-expectancy. There is a projected shift in population by 2050 where nearly 20 per cent of the country’s population will be elders and with 60 per cent of families in India living on their own.

According to a study by consumer knowledge firm Ormax Compass, 2.4 million senior citizens, who will be living on their own by 2031 in the MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region) region alone. Among the notable findings of the study, senior citizens in MMR are prepared to live alone in a nuclear environment. Maharashtra with an estimated population of 125 million has an elderly population share of 11.7 per cent, which is higher than the national average of 10 per cent. It is projected to increase further, to reach a 15 per cent share by 2031. In recent years, a growing number of young Indians, in search of greener pastures, are migrating abroad. Most of their parents prefer staying back, in the company of neighbours and friends. Many of the elderly are affluent and enjoy lavish lifestyles after having worked hard all their lives. They now want to enjoy an independent life along with their spouse. A senior living home provides all the comforts and conveniences that the elderly of our society desire; that of living life to the fullest without being a burden on their children or family.

All these factors point to the need for more than 3.20 lakh senior living facilities in the country. Active senior living communities provide a favourable environment in fostering passions of individuals and fulfilling their dreams. Such communities provide a secure environment for individuals, taking care of all their personal needs. These communities provide access to medical facilities, recreational activities and other resources that facilitate a healthy and dignified ageing. Besides, various studies have shown that senior living communities help reduce depression and loneliness among the elderly by providing a social network of peers and engaging activities. Moreover, such communities allow seniors to remain independent, while receiving all necessary support and help age gracefully.