Currently, 11% of India's elderly live alone or with non-relatives. By 2025, it is estimated that 25% of those over 60 and 40% of those over 75 are likely to be living alone. Even if they live together, the elderly are overwhelmed by the new concepts of time and space, and as per the response of the survey are still suffering from loneliness.

Fighting Isolation

In 2004 HelpAge India conducted a survey on loneliness in later life, in Delhi and Mumbai, through questionnaires and telephonically. HelpAge interacted with 500 older people in the two metros, and found that loneliness and isolation are the scourges of too many old people's lives.

The responses were received primarily from men - only 8% of the respondents were women. The survey threw up some startling facts.

12% (1 out of 8) older people said no one cares they exist.

13% feel trapped within their own homes.

21% feel more or less alone and socialise with very few people, including their own children.

The most severely isolated and lonely are people over 75, particularly older women, those who are widowed and those living alone.

HelpAge has mounted a high-profile campaign to put the spotlight on this issue. We also organise several events to help the elderly use their time gainfully. In the recent past, we have organised:

• Dance workshops for the elderly.
• Interactive seminars and workshops on issues like health and nutrition
• Plays and other events to help them showcase their talents.