How You Can Help India's Elderly: Key Challenges & Solutions

When we picture old age in India, we usually imagine something warm. Elders surrounded by family, sharing stories, and enjoying a slower life. Remember when your grandparents used to tell you stories from their time or childhood stories about your parents?

However, for many seniors today, the reality is very different.

The Reality of Old Age in India Today

Money problems, fragile health, loneliness, and weak support systems shape their everyday routine.

And this isn’t a small group. For context, India’s elderly population is reportedly projected to hit 320 million by 2050. And here lies the problem: While our country's elderly population is growing quickly, the support around them isn’t keeping up.

Only a small percentage receive a stable pension. Most depend on family, small savings or irregular income that doesn’t last. Many continue to work long after their bodies are tired. At the same time, chronic illness becomes more common with age, and adequate healthcare remains expensive and inaccessible, especially for those who live alone or in rural areas.

Social changes make things harder. Joint families are less common; children move for work, and daily schedules are packed. This leaves a surprising number of elderly people spending long hours alone.

There are also growing incidents of neglect or even emotional and financial abuse. However, these often remain hidden because seniors don’t want to lose whatever support they still have.

Infrastructure adds another layer. India still lacks age-friendly spaces, accessible housing and healthcare that truly understands older bodies and minds.

Public transport is tough to navigate if you have mobility issues. Old age homes differ a lot in quality, and many are either too costly or not safe enough.

All of this can make old age feel uncertain and undignified, even for those who worked hard their entire lives.

The Everyday Challenges Faced by Older Citizens

A lot of elders stay quiet because they don’t want to burden anyone. Some feel complaining is disrespectful. Others simply don’t know who to ask for help. And in a society that celebrates youth and productivity, many seniors feel invisible.

When NGOs and volunteers talk to elders, a few issues appear repeatedly.

Financial Insecurity After Retirement
This is especially true for those who work/worked in the informal sector, which rarely gives pensions or insurance. Once their earning years end, so does their stability. Even government pensions often don’t cover basic medicines.

Healthcare Access and Rising Medical Costs
Chronic illnesses need regular care. Travelling to hospitals, standing in lines, paying for tests and finding geriatric specialists all become difficult. Many elders cut down on their medication simply because they can’t afford it.

Loneliness and Shrinking Family Support
With migration and busier work lives, many elders live alone or get limited help. Even when children care, distance becomes a barrier.

Isolation and Low Mental Health
Loneliness is one of the most common struggles. Feeling ignored or having no one to talk to hurts mental health as much as any physical illness.

Abuse and Neglect
Sometimes it happens quietly. An elder’s pension being taken “to manage the house.” Being scolded for moving slowly. Being ignored when unwell. These may seem small but feel deeply humiliated.

How Can You Help the Elderly in Your Community Starting Today?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But real change often starts small and close to home. Here are simple things you can do to help elderly people in your community:

1. Check In on Elders Around You
   A short visit or call each week makes a huge difference. Ask if they need help with medicine, groceries, or medical appointments. Many won’t say it unless you ask.
2. Help with Paperwork or Digital Tasks
   Government schemes. But forms and online processes can be confusing. Offer to help an elderly person apply for pensions, health cards or book an appointment online.
3. Create Small Volunteer Circles
   A few neighbours can share responsibilities. One person can help with hospital visits. Another with groceries. Someone else can spend time chatting. It builds trust and spreads effort.
4. Push for Elder-Friendly Spaces Locally
   Talk to your building association or local representatives about ramps, handrails, benches or better lighting. Small changes make movement safer.
5. Support Credible Elderly-Care Organisations
   Many NGOs run helplines, home visits, mobile clinics and day-care centres. Donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word helps their reach.
6. Connect Generations
   Invite elders to teach a skill, share stories or guide younger people. Feeling valued restores dignity and gives younger generations perspective.
7. Be Alert to Signs of Neglect or Abuse
   If an elder looks unusually withdrawn, worried or weak, gently check in. If something seems off, help them reach a social worker, helpline or doctor.

Caring for the Elderly Shapes the Future We Will All Share.

Helping elderly people isn’t charity. It’s respect for the years they’ve invested in families and communities. When seniors feel safe, included, and valued, the whole neighbourhood becomes warmer and more connected.

And one day, all of us will grow old, too. The care we build today shapes the world we’ll age into.

Start Helping Today

Supporting the elderly does not mean you have to do everything by yourself. You can support organisations that work to help elderly people and make their lives a little easie. How do they do that? By offering shelter, healthcare, companionship, and dignity when it’s needed most.

You can help make a real difference by supporting the work of these elder-care NGOs:

• SAI SAHARA OLD AGE HOME
• The Earth Saviours Foundation
• Guru Vishram Vridh Ashram (Old Age Home)
• JANASEVA FOUNDATION
• Deepalaya
• Shankalp Shakti Foundation
• DAVO NGO
• Veema Foundation
• Cheshire Homes

Whether through a donation, volunteering your time, or simply sharing their work, your support helps ensure that no elderly person has to face ageing alone.