54 pc elders link ageing with negative feelings; loneliness most common emotion: Study

ABOUT 54 per cent of elders associate ageing with negative feelings, with loneliness (47 per cent) being the most common emotion, according to a survey report released on Friday.

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A study by Help Age India, titled 'Understanding Intergenerational Dynamics & Perceptions on Ageing', has revealed gaps between the emotional needs of India's elderly and the perceptions of the youth, despite frequent family interactions.

Conducted across 10 cities with 5,798 respondents (70 per cent youth aged 18-30, 30 per cent elders aged 60-plus), the report highlighted the challenges of loneliness, digital exclusion, and diminishing respect faced by urban elders, even as youth express admiration for their wisdom.

The study, released ahead of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, looked into urban middle and lower-middle-class households. It found that 54 per cent of elders associate ageing with negative feelings, with loneliness being the most prevalent emotion.

Youth, while an empathetic 56 per cent associate elders with being "lonely" and 51 per cent with "wise", they often underestimate the depth of this distress.

"We are told the plan, not asked. That hurts more than staying silent," said an elder from Madurai during focus group discussions, reflecting a common sentiment of being sidelined despite living with family.

Daily interactions are common, with 66 per cent of elders and 61 per cent of youth reporting face-to-face contact, primarily at home through shared meals (71 per cent of youth, 72 per cent of elders) and family conversations (87 per cent of youth, 84 per cent of elders).