Looking at the changing social landscape, it has become imperative to acknowledge that the need for old age homes in India is steadily increasing. The days when large joint families lived together—where grandparents, parents, and children shared the same roof—are now largely confined to memory. At one time, even imagining an old age home was considered socially unacceptable, even sinful. But society has changed, lifestyles have evolved, and so has the structure of the family.
We provided our children with the best possible education and encouraged them to progress in life. They succeeded, moved ahead, and often moved far away from us in pursuit of their careers. With pride, we told others, “My son is in America and earns lakhs every month.” Such stories are not rare; they represent the reality of hundreds of families. Not only abroad, but even within India, children have migrated to metropolitan cities in search of better opportunities.
In these circumstances, children are often unwilling to return to their native towns or villages. At the same time, many parents are reluctant to relocate with their children. Emotional attachment to one’s roots, familiarity with the local environment, language, social connections, health concerns, and a desire for independence all influence such decisions. As a result, many senior citizens prefer to live separately rather than uproot themselves at an advanced age.
Last week, I had the opportunity to visit an old age home in Ranchi. I was pleasantly surprised by the facilities available—clean, organized, and dignified living arrangements offered at a very affordable cost. About fifty senior citizens were residing there. The home is run by the Arya Gyan Prachar Samiti and has been serving society continuously since the year 2000.
While leaving, I was given their magazine titled “Jeevan Sandhya.” As I read through it, I came across several personal reflections written by the residents. These narratives offered deep insight into the circumstances that lead people to old age homes. What stood out clearly was that most reasons were not negative, but rooted in practical realities of life.
One couple wrote that living alone without their children had made them deeply lonely. Managing household chores had become difficult, and peace of mind was gradually slipping away. After moving into the old age home, they found companionship, support, and renewed emotional stability.
Another woman shared that after her husband’s death and the marriage of her two daughters, her home felt unbearably empty. Coming to the old age home restored a sense of belonging and purpose to her life.
One account was particularly heart-rending. The writer had four sons and a daughter. After serving for forty years and retiring, she found that none of her children were willing to keep her with them. She realized, painfully, that her children’s attachment was more to her financial stability than to her as a person. Age-related physical weakness and emotional distress had plunged her life into darkness. At that moment, the old age home appeared as a ray of light, offering her shelter, care, and dignity.
Shri S. L. Gupta, a social worker who played a key role in establishing this old age home, aptly observes:
“Ideally, old age homes should not exist at all, as they go against traditional Indian values. But in today’s circumstances, they often serve as a life-saving remedy for senior citizens. Otherwise, where would they go?”
Considering today’s social realities, many believe that India will need a large number of old age homes in the years to come. If timely and systematic efforts are not made, we may fail in our collective responsibility toward the elderly.
Today, old age homes exist across different categories—from premium facilities to modest institutions run purely with a spirit of service. However, for structured and quality-driven growth, active government involvement is essential. Incentives such as tax benefits, subsidized land, GST concessions, and infrastructure support can encourage credible organizations to enter this field.
Equally important is the need for a clear registration system and defined minimum standards. At present, there is no reliable data on the exact number of old age homes operating in the country. Estimates range between 700 and 1,300. Maintaining proper records and ensuring basic facilities through regulation is therefore crucial.
It is now evident that old age homes should not be viewed merely through an emotional lens. They have become a social necessity. With an estimated 320 million senior citizens in India by the year 2050, there is no denying the urgent need for such institutions. Old age homes are not symbols of abandonment; they are, increasingly, alternatives that offer dignity, care, and companionship in the twilight years of life.
Author
The author is the founder of the Never Say Retire mission. In order to achieve this goal, he also runs this website and his Facebook group Never Say Retire Forum has Hundreds and Thousands of members today.
