India’s elders find a new friend in technology

By Mehak Minocha

With a rapidly growing elderly population, India is often referred to as the “youngest old” country. The challenges range from limited mobility and access to healthcare to the pervasive issue of social isolation. This is where elders in India have found a new friend in technology.

An important innovation is the installation of smart technology to monitor and support elder needs. Though few in number, these smart homes are equipped with voice-activated assistants capable of understanding multiple regional languages.

The technology manages daily tasks such as adjusting lighting and temperature, controlling appliances, and even playing devotional music. Additionally, these homes feature automated emergency response systems that can detect falls or other health emergencies, alerting family members and emergency services.

One of the early adopters of smart homes is Mr. Puneet Makharia (name changed), a 76-year-old retired school teacher living alone in Delhi. The smart home technology allows him to maintain his independence while providing peace of mind to his children, who live abroad. “I can control everything with my voice and feel safer knowing that help is just a command away,” he says.

Post-Covid, telemedicine has become a valuable healthcare tool. Through video calls, seniors can consult with doctors and specialists without leaving their homes. One beneficiary of telemedicine is Mrs. Geeta Narang, an 84-year-old diabetic patient living in Panipat. Regular virtual consultations with her doctor have helped manage her condition effectively without frequent visits to the hospital. “It feels like my doctor is always with me,” she says.

Communication apps such as Zoom and Skype now enable seniors to engage with their loved ones through video calls. Mr. Gaurav and Mrs. Kaveeta Batra, both in their 70s, find these apps a great way to connect with their family. Their son, who lives in Canada, video calls them regularly, bridging the geographical distance. These apps also allow the Batras to join virtual satsangs (spiritual gatherings), keeping them socially and spiritually engaged.

The elders are also turning to the Internet to find new ways to keep themselves busy. Mrs. Dimple Sahni, a 74-year-old retired English Professor, rediscovered her passion for reading through e-books and online libraries. She also started writing blogs, sharing her stories and wisdom with a wider audience. “With technology, I’ve discovered a whole new world,” she says, smiling brightly.

Read also:
This is what growing old in rural India looks like
When ageing defies time and sets examples for others