Old story: Shame on young India

When 69-year-old Gautam Kataria’s daughter married and moved to another city and his son took up a job abroad, the retired widower had apprehensions about living alone.

Kataria’s fears are not unfounded as criminals often target the elderly. “Nearly 100 senior citizens were robbed or murdered last year across major Indian cities,” says SP Kinjawdekar, president of the All India Senior Citizens’ Confederation.

“Earlier, it was taken for granted that you would grow old with your children and their families around you. But now, there is no guarantee of that,” says Prakash Borgaonkar, director of HelpAge India.

It is estimated that the country’s current elderly population of about 81 million will nearly double to 150 million by 2020. Are we equipped to provide dignity and security to our seniors?

The answer is no.

For Kataria, the solution came in the form of a privately-run old-age facility in Mumbai. He sold his flat to pay for his lodging, boarding and medical expenses.

So, are old-age homes the solution to problems faced by senior citizens living alone? Yes and no, says Asha Desai, 71, who was sent to a Santa Cruz old-age home when her sons migrated to the US five years ago. “I feel secure that I will not be robbed or murdered here, but I miss my old life,” she adds.

There is demand but a dearth of affordable options in Mumbai. “There are only 22 old-age homes in the city,” says Neha Shah, general manager of social support services at Dignity Foundation, a non-profit organisation working with senior citizens.

Also, there is a social stigma attached to living in old-age homes. “It is presumed, often correctly, that you have been abused, abandoned or thrown out by your kids if you stay at an old-age facility,” says Ravinder Verma, 67, a victim of verbal abuse who now shares a rented flat with another elderly friend and fellow sufferer.

The government is yet to work out a better plan for needs of seniors living alone, but the private sector has recognised the demand. “The concept of retirement colonies is emerging as a viable option for those who can afford them,” says Santosh Dhamdhere, marketing manager at Athashri, a Pune retirement colony.

Other retirement complexes near Mumbai include Dignity Foundation’s project at Neral, Ashiana Housing’s resort at Lavasa, and the Golden Nest Senior Commune at Pune. However, these are only available to the affluent since the monthly rent is between Rs15,000 and Rs25,000.

Dignity Foundation also runs a more affordable centre at Mira Road, but the capacity is as low as 10.