‘We are told the plan, not asked': 86% of elders feel valued, but unheard, excluded, says report

Indian Express

14 hours ago

The youth in India primarily associate elders as being 'lonely', 'dependent', but also 'wise' and 'respected', indicating a mix of empathy and admiration, along with the existence of stereotypical views, according to a latest report by HelpAge India to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15).
The first-of-its-kind national study titled 'Understanding Intergenerational Dynamics and Perceptions on Ageing' report (India Intergenerational Bonds – INBO Report) also pointed out that though 86 per cent of elders feel valued, many elders still feel emotionally distant, unheard, or excluded from meaningful engagement.
The study was conducted across 10 Metro and non-Metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kanpur, Nagpur, and Madurai), covering the youth and the elderly population.
It addresses the urgent need to understand emotional, relational, and psychological aspects of intergenerational ties in urban India.
The study surveyed 5,798 respondents, with the proportion of youth (18-30 years) – 70% and elders (60 years and above) – 30%.
'This report offers both a heartening affirmation and a timely wake-up call. While respect for elders and family ties remain deeply cherished in India, with 86% of elders feeling valued, beneath the surface lies a quieter, more concerning disconnect. Many elders still feel emotionally distant, unheard, or excluded from meaningful engagement. Expressions like `We are told the plan, not asked' reflect a perception-practice gap that needs to be addressed as per the report,' Rohit Prasad, CEO, HelpAge India, said.
The study combined the quantitative element along with qualitative Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to explore perceptions, interactions, and emotional dynamics between youth and elders in urban India.
'Through intentional collaboration across generations—in caregiving, digital literacy, lifelong learning, and volunteering—we can transform ageing from a phase of isolation into one of shared purpose, where generations are bridged not just in proximity, but in vision and co creation,' Prasad said in the report.
As of 2025, approximately 12 per cent of the Indian population is aged 60 and above, a figure projected to rise to 19 per cent by 2050.
At the same time, India also holds the distinction of being home to the world's largest youth population, with over 365 million individuals aged between 15 and 29 years.
As per the data, more than half the young population (56%) felt that the senior citizens are are lonely, while some had the perception that they are 'dependent' (48%), and 'wise' (51%) and 'respected' (43%).
'Youth acknowledge the generation gap but are willing to bridge it—volunteering to talk to lonely elders, assist with errands, and support digital inclusion. They want educational institutions to help them understand ageing and organize intergenerational activities. And while elders may sometimes feel undervalued, they still want to spend more time with youth, feel uplifted after meeting them, and prefer living in family. That's the complexity to collectively address —by strengthening the positives and consciously addressing the gaps,' Anupama Datta, Policy Research and Advocacy, HelpAge India added.