Elderly Care in India: The Shocking Truth About How Millions of Seniors Are Being Forgotten — And What No One Wants to Talk About?

 

https://www.yodda.care/

Your grandmother, who once fed you with her own hands, now sits alone in a corner, hungry and forgotten. Your grandfather, who taught you to ride a bicycle, now struggles to walk, with no one to hold his hand. This isn't a story from a movie. This is happening right now in millions of Indian homes. And we need to talk about it.

The Crisis Nobody Wants to See.

India is getting older, and fast. Every single day, nearly 19,500 people in our country turn 60. That's like filling up an entire stadium with senior citizens every day!

Right now, we have about 158 million elderly people in India. By 2050, this number will jump to 347 million — that's one out of every five Indians. Imagine: your nani, nana, dadi, dada — and their friends — all needing care, support, and love.

But here's the heartbreaking truth: we're not ready for them.

What's Really Happening Behind Closed Doors?

Let me share something that will shake you. Studies show that about 5% of elderly Indians have experienced some form of abuse. That might sound small, but it means millions of grandparents are suffering silently.

The most common types of abuse include psychological mistreatment (35%), neglect (32.9%), financial exploitation (13.9%), and physical abuse. Think about it: the people who raised entire families are now being insulted, ignored, or worse — in their own homes.

And who's doing this? Most often, it's their own sons. Yes, the same children they sacrificed everything for.

In cities like Mangaluru, almost half of all elderly people face some form of abuse. In Ahmedabad, it's 46%. In Delhi, 33%. These aren't just numbers — these are your neighbors, your relatives, maybe even your own family members.

The Four Silent Killers of Our Elders.

1. Loneliness: The Invisible Enemy.

More than one in four elderly people in urban India now live alone. Imagine spending your entire life building a family, only to eat dinner by yourself every night.

Young people move to different cities for jobs. Nuclear families become the norm. And suddenly, the people who were once the center of the family find themselves on the sidelines, watching life pass by through a window.

One in three elderly Indians shows signs of depression. That's millions of people crying themselves to sleep, wondering where everyone went.

2. Health Problems Without Proper Care.

Here's a scary fact: 75% of elderly Indians have at least one chronic disease. Nearly half struggle with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or cooking.

But only 18% have any health insurance. So when they fall sick, they either become a financial burden on their children or suffer silently without treatment.

India has fewer than 80 trained geriatric doctors (doctors who specialize in elderly care) being produced every year. That's barely enough to serve even one major city, forget the entire country!

3. Money Problems That Nobody Talks About.

One out of every three elderly Indians has no income. Women face it worse — 38% have zero income compared to 27% of men.

More than 40% of elderly Indians belong to the poorest section of society. They spent their youth building the nation, raising families, and now they don't even have money to buy basic medicines.

Remember your grandparents asking for money for their medicines? That small moment of hesitation, that slight embarrassment in their eyes? That's the reality for millions.

4. The Digital Divide: Left Behind in a Modern World.

India is going digital. Everything is online — from booking train tickets to ordering food to making doctor's appointments. But our elderly parents and grandparents are lost in this new world.

Most of them don't know how to use smartphones properly. They can't book a cab. They can't pay online. They need help for everything, and sometimes, there's no one around to help.

Why Are We Failing Our Elders?

The truth is uncomfortable, but we need to face it:

We've become too busy. Jobs, careers, children's education, EMIs — we're all running on a treadmill. And somewhere in this race, we forgot about the people who gave us everything.

Joint families are disappearing. Earlier, when someone fell sick, the whole family was there. Now, elderly parents live in one city while their children are scattered across the globe.

We see them as burdens, not blessings. Society has started viewing old age as a problem rather than a phase of life that deserves respect and care.

There's no proper system. Less than 0.1% of state health budgets are spent on elderly care. Think about that. We spend more on building roads than on caring for the generation that built those roads.

The Stories That Will Break Your Heart.

Seventy-two-year-old Mr. Sharma from Delhi lives alone. His son works in America. His daughter is in Bangalore. He had a heart attack last year and lay on the floor for three hours before a neighbor found him.

Mrs. Desai, 68, from Mumbai, has diabetes and arthritis. She struggles to climb stairs but lives on the fourth floor. Her children visit once a month. She spends her days watching TV, waiting for her phone to ring.

These are not isolated cases. These are everyday realities for millions of Indian seniors.

But Wait — There's Hope!

Despite all these problems, something beautiful is happening. People are waking up. Companies are stepping in. Technology is creating solutions.

The elderly care market in India, which was worth just $10-15 billion, is expected to grow to $30-50 billion in the next decade. Why? Because people are finally realizing that our elders deserve better.

Enter the Age of Smart Elderly Care.

This is where technology becomes a hero in our story. Companies are now creating solutions that can change everything.

Meet Yodda — a technology-driven company that's revolutionizing elderly care and women's safety in India. While many companies just talk about care, Yodda is actually doing something about it.

Imagine your parents wearing a simple device that can detect if they've fallen. Or a system that reminds them to take medicines. Or an emergency button that connects them to help in seconds. This isn't science fiction — this is what Yodda is making real.

They understand what every Indian family needs: peace of mind. Whether you're in another city or even another country, you want to know your parents are safe, healthy, and taken care of. Yodda's technology makes this possible.

What Can You Do Right Now?

You don't need to be rich or powerful to make a difference. Here are simple things you can do today:

1. Call your grandparents or parents. Not a quick "how are you?" call. A real conversation. Ask them about their day. Listen to their stories. Make them feel seen.

2. Visit them often. Nothing replaces physical presence. Even one Sunday a month can fill their entire week with joy.

3. Get them a health checkup. Don't wait for emergencies. Prevention is better than cure.

4. Teach them technology slowly. Show them how to make video calls. How to order groceries online. Be patient. Remember how patient they were when they taught you to walk.

5. Involve them in decisions. Ask for their advice. Make them feel valuable. They have decades of wisdom — use it!

6. Check on elderly neighbors. That uncle next door who lives alone? That aunty whose children are abroad? A simple "namaste" and a chat can brighten their day.

7. Use technology for their safety. Consider investing in elderly care technology like what Yodda offers. It's not expensive, but it can save lives.

The Future We Can Build Together.

India is at a turning point. We can either ignore our growing elderly population and face a humanitarian crisis, or we can act now and create a society where growing old is not scary but beautiful.

The government is starting to pay attention. The care services market is growing at 13.76% every year. New care homes, day-care centers, and assisted living facilities are opening up.

But the real change has to come from us — from families, from communities, from each one of us.

Remember This.

Your parents didn't wait for you to be "convenient" before caring for you. They fed you when you couldn't hold a spoon. They changed your diapers. They stayed up all night when you were sick. They sacrificed their dreams so you could chase yours.

Now it's your turn.

Our elders aren't burdens. They are treasures. They are walking libraries of experience, love, and wisdom. Every wrinkle on their face tells a story. Every grey hair marks a battle they fought for you.

The question is: Will we be there for them the way they were there for us?

The answer cannot wait. Every single day, thousands of elderly Indians are sitting alone, hoping their children will call. Hoping someone will remember them. Hoping they matter.

Let's not let them down. Let's not let ourselves down.

Because one day, we will be old too. And how we treat our elders today will decide how the next generation treats us tomorrow.

The time to act is now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Right now.

Pick up your phone. Call them. Visit them. Hug them while you still can.

And if you're looking for ways to keep them safe and healthy, explore technological solutions like those offered by Yodda. Because sometimes, love needs a little help from technology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Q1: What is elderly care, and why is it important in India?

Elderly care means providing physical, emotional, and medical support to senior citizens to ensure they live with dignity and good health. In India, it's crucial because our elderly population is rapidly growing, and traditional joint family systems are breaking down, leaving many seniors without adequate support.

Q2: How many elderly people are there in India?

As of 2024, India has approximately 158 million people aged 60 and above. This number is expected to reach 347 million by 2050, making up 20% of the total population.

Q3: What are the main types of elderly abuse in India?

The most common types are psychological abuse (35%), neglect (32.9%), financial exploitation (13.9%), physical abuse, and disrespect. Sadly, most perpetrators are family members, often sons or daughters-in-law.

Q4: Why do so many elderly Indians face financial problems?

About one in three elderly Indians has no income, and only 18% have health insurance. Many don't have pensions or savings, and high illiteracy rates prevent them from accessing government schemes. Women are particularly vulnerable, with 38% having zero income.

Q5: What health problems do Indian seniors commonly face?

About 75% of elderly Indians have at least one chronic disease like diabetes, heart problems, or arthritis. Nearly half struggle with daily activities like bathing or cooking. Additionally, one in three shows signs of depression.

Q6: How is technology helping elderly care in India?

Technology companies like Yodda are creating solutions such as emergency alert systems, fall detection devices, medicine reminders, and health monitoring tools. These help families stay connected with elderly relatives and ensure quick response during emergencies.

Q7: What is Yodda, and how does it help the elderly?

Yodda is a technology-based company specializing in elderly care and women's safety. They provide smart devices and systems that help monitor elderly health, detect emergencies, and connect seniors with help quickly — giving families peace of mind even when living far away.

Q8: How can I help my elderly parents living alone in another city?

Regular phone calls, video calls, arranging for local help, scheduling health checkups, teaching them basic technology, using elderly care apps or devices like those from Yodda, and visiting as often as possible. Also, connect them with neighbors or local community groups.

Q9: Are there laws in India to protect the elderly?

Yes. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 makes it legally mandatory for children to take care of their parents. There's also a National Policy for Senior Citizens, 2011, and programs like the National Programme for Health Care of Elderly.

Q10: What should I do if I suspect an elderly person is being abused?

Contact the Elder Helpline (14567), local police, or organizations like HelpAge India. You can also reach out to local NGOs working on elderly welfare. Many states have senior citizen cells that investigate abuse complaints.

Q11: Why are joint families disappearing in India?

Urban migration for jobs, smaller living spaces in cities, changing lifestyles, desire for independence, and career demands have led to more nuclear families. This leaves elderly parents behind in villages or living separately in cities.

Q12: How much does elderly care cost in India?

It varies widely. Home care services can cost ₹15,000-50,000 per month. Retirement homes range from ₹25,000-1,00,000 per month depending on facilities. Technology-based solutions like Yodda are more affordable, often costing less than ₹5,000 per month.

Q13: What government schemes exist for the elderly?

Key schemes include PM-JAY (health insurance for those 70+), National Programme for Health Care of Elderly, old-age pensions, senior citizen savings schemes, and concessions on trains and buses. However, only 29% of elderly are aware of or access these benefits.

Q14: How can communities help elderly people?

By organizing regular health checkups, creating senior citizen clubs for social activities, setting up helplines, arranging transportation services, conducting awareness programs, and simply checking in on elderly neighbors regularly.

Q15: What's the future of elderly care in India?

The elderly care market is expected to grow from $10-15 billion to $30-50 billion by 2034. More retirement communities, technology solutions, trained caregivers, and government focus on geriatric care will improve the situation. However, the biggest change must come from families prioritizing elderly care.