Bridging India’s Intergenerational Divide Amid Rapid Ageing

Context:

• A recent study by HelpAge India highlights a growing emotional disconnect between younger and older generations in India.

• Despite strong family values, the study reveals rising loneliness, invisibility, and dependence among the elderly, alongside misunderstandings related to technology and communication.

• The findings gain significance in the context of India’s rapidly ageing population and evolving family structures.

Key Highlights:

Study Findings and Emotional Disconnect

• The survey covered over 5,700 respondents across age groups.

• 54% of elderly respondents reported negative feelings about ageing, including feeling unheard and socially invisible.

• Youth acknowledge elders’ wisdom and experience, yet often perceive them as lonely and dependent, reinforcing subtle forms of ageism.

Loneliness as a Shared Concern

• Loneliness emerged as the top concern for both groups:

  • 69% of youth

  • 68% of elders

• Other major anxieties include health issues and financial insecurity, reflecting common vulnerabilities across generations.

Technology and Digital Divide

• Technology has become a key fault line in intergenerational relations.

• Elders feel excluded from digital spaces, while youth often assume elders lack interest or capability.

• Impatience, lack of digital handholding, and rapid technological change deepen the emotional gap.

• This underscores the urgency of digital inclusion for senior citizens.

Family Values and Changing Care Preferences

• The ideal of family-centred living remains strong:

  • 88% of youth expect to live with family in old age, aligning with elders’ aspirations.

• However, 30% of youth are open to care homes, signalling shifting attitudes amid urbanisation and nuclear families.

• This calls for hybrid care models, including intergenerational community spaces.

Demographic Transition and Social Implications

• India currently has over 10% of its population aged 60+, projected to reach nearly 20% by 2050.

• Ageing will impact:

  • Family support systems

  • Social identity and dignity

  • Care infrastructure and social security

• Strong intergenerational bonds acted as a social safety net during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing social atomisation.

Way Forward

• Quality time and open communication are seen as key solutions:

  • 84% of elders and 86% of youth support this approach.

• Education systems and public policy must:

  • Promote empathy and intergenerational sensitivity

  • Support families as primary caregivers

  • Innovate community-based and inclusive elder-care models

  • Strengthen digital literacy initiatives for senior citizens

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS Paper 1 – Indian Society

  • Prelims:

    • Concepts of ageing population, intergenerational dynamics, and ageism.

  • Mains:

    • Impact of demographic transition on family structures and social cohesion.

    • Role of traditional values in addressing modern social challenges.

• GS Paper 2 – Social Justice

  • Prelims:

    • Issues related to elderly welfare and digital inclusion.

  • Mains:

    • Policy challenges in elder care, social security, and inclusive growth.

    • Need for rights-based and dignity-centric approaches for the elderly.