Desire to live with family, respect for elders remain strong in India: HelpAge India survey

Report titled ‘Understanding Intergenerational Dynamics & Perceptions on Ageing’ says young adults, those aged 18-24 years, share strong emotional bonds with their grandparents

Hyderabad: While respect for elders and family ties remain deeply cherished in India, many elders still feel emotionally distant, unheard or excluded from meaningful engagement. About 86 per cent of elders in the country feel that they are valued in the family. And yet, elders in nationwide survey have come up with expressions like ‘We are told the plan, not asked’, a report by HelpAge India, released on Friday, said.

The report titled ‘Understanding Intergenerational Dynamics & Perceptions on Ageing’ (India Intergenerational Bonds – INBO Report), released on the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), said, “The desire to live with family remains strong. About 88 per cent of youth expect to live with family when old, and 83 per cent of elders currently do or plan to, reinforcing the enduring importance of family-based living in India.”

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HelpAge India CEO Rohit Prasad said, “Through intentional collaboration across generations, in care giving, digital literacy, lifelong learning, and volunteering, we can transform ageing from a phase of isolation into one of shared purpose.”

The national study, conducted in 10 Indian cities including Hyderabad, contacted 5,798 respondents, out of which 70 per cent were aged between 18 to 30 years and the rest were 60 years and above.

“Young adults, especially those aged 18-24 years, share strong emotional bonds with their grandparents, particularly in multigenerational households. Interestingly, youth living apart often hold more positive perceptions of ageing, showing that distance doesn’t always mean disconnect,” says Anupama Datta, Policy Research & Advocacy, HelpAge India.