Helping Loved Ones Enjoy Independence in their Later Years

India may be a country of over 1.3 billion people, but one in every two seniors is battling loneliness as found in a study by the Agewell Foundation. Indeed, one in five senior citizens needs some sort of psychological counselling, which is testimony to the fact that living alone can be hard. Despite these struggles, many seniors cling on fiercely to their independence. As is the case in many other countries across the globe, seniors are most comfortable living in their own home, and they wish to do so as long as their physical and mental health allow. How can family members and friends help seniors embrace independence and social interaction at once?

Women Comprise the Majority of Seniors in India

Statistics show that of the 7.5% of the Indian population who are elderly people , two thirds live in villages and nearly half have a poor socio-economic status. Some 70% of all elderly are women, and the majority of seniors live in rural areas and are dependent on their families. In countries like the U.S., seniors can stay at home longer because of government aid in the form of Medicaid, which provides home assistance. Because this program does not exist in rural India, families are often the ones who step in, providing crucial services such as meal provision, cleaning, doctor’s visits, transport etc. for their loved ones. In urban areas, companies like Anvayaa offer customized home assistance options that include everything from paying utility bills to escorting seniors to social occasions or going to the pharmacy for them.

Obtaining Help for Mental Conditions if Necessary

In addition to providing basic needs that the elderly may be unable to fulfil (e.g. cooking and cleaning), loved ones can help cure senior loneliness by providing more social opportunities for them. They can also observe their loved one, looking for signs of anxiety or depression, which does require professional diagnosis and treatment. As stated in a study by Subhojit Dey, mental conditions such as dementia and depression (as well as physical ones like incontinence) can carry a stigma that can lead seniors to ‘suffer in silence’. It is important for loved ones to communicate well with seniors, so the latter can let them know of feelings like sadness or loneliness. No senior should feel depressed as a result of neglect.

Connecting Seniors to Technology

Technology is a vital way for elderly people to feel connected to friends and family living far away. These days, the elderly in India have less interaction with family members, often because the latter are living in other cities or areas owing to work necessities. Something as simple as access to Internet connection can be a lifeline for older people, who can take part in video conferences and view photos posted by the people they love.

To help elderly loved ones live alone for longer, it is vital to ensure their home is clean, their bills are paid, and their meals are prepared. People who are able to afford private aid should consider the latter a worthy investment, since older people often need help with daily tasks like shopping and cooking their food. If you live far from your loved one, you should communicate regularly and try to ensure that they have access to basic technology, which can help them feel that you are merely a phone call away.

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