Burden or backbone? How India’s youth perceive their elders

How do today’s youth view elders? Do they see them as a burden on families or individuals who would like to keep their respect and dignity intact? With India greying rapidly, the nation is trying to grapple with a new reality. How to care for its Elders? Saloni Singh and Abhishek Sharma spoke to a cross-section of youngsters to get their views. Their answers:  

Saksham Thakur, student of Bachelors of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication at KCC Institute of Legal and Higher Education, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

1. What are your first thoughts about the elderly, especially their treatment in social settings, media, or in families?

When I think about elderly people, the first thought which comes to my mind is the lack of respect they receive from their family, society and their surroundings. This not only makes them question their worth or importance but also makes them feel left out.

In movies and on TV, they are sometimes shown as weak or confused, which isn’t always true. I believe older people have a lot of wisdom and experience, and they should be treated with kindness, respect, and included in everything.

2. How do you visualise yourself in your old age? What are the aspects that concern you the most?

When I think about myself in old age, the thing I am most concerned about is my health. Things like losing strength, having long-term illnesses, or memory problems concern me the most. Thereby, I hope to stay healthy, active, and surrounded by people I love.

I don’t want to become a burden on my family, and I worry about feeling lonely or forgotten as I get older. I also think about whether I’ll have enough money and good care to live comfortably. Still, I want to keep learning, stay connected with friends and family, and enjoy life as much as I can even in old age.

3. If you had an opportunity to improve the conditions of the elderly, what would you do and why?

If I had a chance to improve the conditions of elderly people, I would focus on these simple but important things:

First of all, I would spend more quality time with them so they don’t feel lonely and feel loved. Just talking, sharing stories, or doing activities together can make a big difference. Then I would make their living spaces safe and comfortable, like installing grab bars in bathrooms, fixing slippery floors, and making sure their home is easy to move around in.

To improve their health and to help them stay active, I would encourage them to go for morning  walks, start hobbies, and give them nutritious meals. I will also make sure they get regular health checkups and take their medicines on time to prevent serious health problems.

Finally, I would  support their independence by helping them with daily tasks when needed but also respecting their choices. According to me these steps would help elderly people feel respected, secure, and happier, which is very important as they age.

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Aanvi Singh, Student of B.Sc. Biotechnology in Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur, Rajasthan

1. What are your first thoughts about the elderly, especially their treatment in social settings, media, or in families?

A: Most Indian families respect their elders. But there are some who do not treat their elders well, even assault them.

2. How do you visualize yourself in your old age? What are the aspects that concern you the most?

A: I visualize myself as a responsible elder who would like to live independently as far as possible.   I’m most concerned about the behaviour of people around me, especially youngsters, whose help I may need when I grow old.

3. If you had an opportunity to improve the conditions of the elderly, what would you do and why?

A: In my opinion, the elderly should be able to communicate about their health problems without getting pressurised by the fear that they would become a burden on their children. I would like to help the elderly live happily and independently.

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Utkarsh Dutta,  B. Tech student in Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai, Maharashtra

1. What are your first thoughts about the elderly, especially their treatment in social settings, media, or in families?

A: I think that the elderly are frequently sidelined and are shown as helpless in the media, which is not correct because it affects mindsets and creates images of the elderly as lonely and stressed.

2. How do you visualize yourself in your old age? What are the aspects that concern you the most?

A: In my old age, I want to be surrounded by people I love the most. Additionally, I want a good and active environment so that I don’t suffer from loneliness. I would like people to realise that the elderly have a lifetime of wisdom and experience behind them. They should not be seen as a burden as it happens in several families today.

3. If you had an opportunity to improve the conditions of the elderly, what would you do and why?

A: If I would ever get an opportunity to improve the elderly’s conditions, I would focus on accessible and affordable healthcare, especially home-based care.

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Pratham Bajpai, Student of Journalism and Mass Communication in Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh

1. What are your first thoughts about the elderly, especially their treatment in social settings, media, or in families?

A: Elderly people face a mix of respect, neglect, and sometimes disregard from people around them.

How do you visualize yourself in your old age? What are the aspects that concern you the most?

A: I visualize myself as a more evolved version of myself, having a calmer and quieter mind than now. The aspects that concern me the most are cognitive decline and physical deterioration.

If you had an opportunity to improve the conditions of the elderly, what would you do and why?

A: To improve the conditions of elderly people, I would love to contribute physically and financially in enhancing easy access to healthcare facilities for them; help them  combat depression and social isolation; and promote financial security for them.

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Pavni Saxena,  Student of Journalism and Mass Communication in KCC Institute of Legal and Higher Education, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

1. What are your first thoughts about the elderly, especially their treatment in social settings, media, or in families?

A: I have a lot of respect for the elderly. They have seen so much in life and have a lot of wisdom and experience to share. I love listening to their stories; there is always something to learn. I also feel they deserve more love, patience, and care from all of us, especially in today’s fast-moving world, where they are often left behind. They teach us the value of time and punctuality, building meaningful bonds and maintaining relationships, and finding joy in simple and small things.

2. How do you visualize yourself in your old age? What are the aspects that concern you the most?

A: I think I will be living a peaceful life. And I may be engaged in some activities like traveling, leisure walks, and deep and mindful conversations, that would keep me busy and tension-free, away from the humdrum of life and frustrations generated out of modern existence. But still, independence, loneliness, and health issues concern me.

3. If you had an opportunity to improve the conditions of the elderly, what would you do and why?

A: For the amelioration of their living conditions, I think the elderly deserve emotional support more than anything else. Sometimes, gentle and kind words heal faster than painkillers. Just spending quality time with them, listening to their perceptions about love and life, and making them feel seen and heard can mean a lot. Along with that, they should also have proper medical care, comfort, and a peaceful environment too.

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Pranv Kumar, student of Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication at KCC Institute of Legal and Higher Education, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

1. What are your first thoughts about the elderly, especially their treatment in social settings, media, or in families?

A. My thoughts about the elderly are that they are intelligent about home remedies and medicine but are little conservative about the culture and family traditions. From the family they just need happiness and respect and have fun with their grandchildren.

2. How do you visualize yourself in your old age? What are the aspects that concern you the most?

A. I see myself as a very spiritual person in my old age, sitting in the feet of Prabhu ji and going on a pilgrimage to spiritual places. The thing which concerns me the most is how I would go through my old age and if I could find my own place in the new generation.

3. If you had an opportunity to improve the conditions of the elderly, what would you do and why?

A. I would like to build affordable hospitals because old people are most prone to health problems, and many of them cannot afford the private hospitals.

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Dakshita Chaudhary, student of  Bachelors of Arts in International Relations at  Shiv Nadar University.

1. What are your first thoughts about the elderly, especially their treatment in social settings, media, or in families?

A. I feel that the elderly are often treated like old, vintage accessories, more like showpieces than valued individuals.

People seem to appreciate them only for certain values or traditions they represent, but they don’t truly understand that when elders become very old, they are much like children, needing care and emotional support.

Unfortunately, many who neglect this responsibility come across as selfish, rude, and even cruel. I dislike that mindset deeply. Elders are not just tasks to be managed, they are emotional beings who deserve dignity and affection.

In social settings, families, and especially in media, I wish elders were represented with more respect and care, not just as symbols or placeholders but as full, feeling members of society.
This attitude of viewing elders merely as responsibilities to be fulfilled, rather than people to be cherished, must change. Caring for our elderly should be an act of genuine love, not mere duty.

2. How do you visualize yourself in your old age? What are the aspects that concern you the most?

When I picture myself in old age, what I would long for most is to remain healthy, vibrant, and independent. So that I would be able to take care of myself, pursue my passions, and keep improving, no matter how many years pass. Deep inside, I carry a wish not to become a burden and not to feel left out or invisible within my own family or community.

My heart aches at the thought of losing connection or respect, both for myself and from those around me. Hence, I want to be seen as someone still full of dreams and wisdom, not merely as a duty or a symbol of the past. I hope old age allows me to offer kindness and understanding to others, while I too receive genuine love and respect.

Ultimately, I dream of old age marked by dignity, inclusion, and the simple but profound joy of feeling truly valued and embraced for who I am.

3. If you had an opportunity to improve the conditions of the elderly, what would you do and why?

If I had the opportunity to improve the lives of elderly people, my first step would be to start creating elder care homes. That would feel warm, friendly and comfortable, a place where seniors feel truly part of the world around them.

I would ensure they can participate in activities just like younger people. I would be organizing outings and trips to bring new experiences and joy into their lives. I would also provide help with their daily chores with kindness and respect, along with small gifts to brighten their days.

Encouraging them to engage in hobbies and creative pursuits would be a priority, helping them stay active, fulfilled, and connected.

Above all, I would want to foster genuine connection and belonging, so no elder feels forgotten or lonely but instead feels valued, respected, and loved as an integral part of the community.

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Tushita Singh, student of BA LLB at Lloyd Law College, Greater Noida.

1. What are your first thoughts about the elderly, especially their treatment in social settings, media, or in families?

I’ve observed two distinct realities in how families treat their elderly members. There are families, who hold their elders in high esteem regardless of whether they reside in urban or rural settings, Their presence is deeply valued, and family members offer unwavering support, ensuring their lives are easier and that they never feel disrespected. This unwavering respect stems from a strong set of principles within the family.

There are also families that prioritize materialistic pursuits and self-interest, often at the expense of their older members’ needs and emotional well-being. This neglect is a stark reminder of how societal values can shift.

It’s imperative that we treat our elders with the utmost respect and acknowledge their inherent worth. They deserve their own space and autonomy. Fulfilling the expectations they have of their own family, their own flesh and blood, is not merely an obligation but a moral responsibility. Just as they selflessly nurtured and protected their children when they were vulnerable, adult children now have the responsibility to care for their parents, rather than abandoning them.

2. How do you visualize yourself in your old age? What are the aspects that concern you the most?

As I envision my own later years, my primary desire is to remain healthy and capable of performing all essential daily activities. While I understand that aging often brings an increased susceptibility to health issues, I aim to cultivate a lifestyle that fosters independence.

The thought of being unable to complete basic tasks, regardless of accumulated experience or wealth, is a significant concern. Therefore, I am committed to prioritizing my emotional and physical health, ensuring I can maintain my autonomy for as long as possible.

3. If you had an opportunity to improve the conditions of the elderly, what would you do and why?

A. While I acknowledge that I may not always be able to provide emotional support directly to the elderly people who are known to me, due to differing family dynamics, experiences, and opinions, I am determined to contribute meaningfully to their well-being.

If I get an opportunity, I would like initiate and conduct periodic campaigns focused on educating seniors about potential health issues and their prevention. By doing so, we can empower them and their families to proactively address challenges and navigate life more effectively.

Furthermore, I would like to assist abandoned elderly individuals by providing them with safe and comfortable living spaces. Also, I would like to dedicate efforts to overseeing and addressing the emotional or financial needs of those residing in old age homes, striving to ensure they receive the care and respect they deserve.

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