HelpAge India report highlights strong familial ties, evolving challenges

A report released by HelpAge India on Friday has revealed insights into how India’s youth and elderly perceive one another — highlighting a mix of strong familial ties, emotional warmth and evolving challenges.

Titled “Understanding Inter-generational Dynamics and Perceptions on Ageing”, the report was launched ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed on June 15. It captures the emotional, relational and psychological aspects of intergenerational relationships in urban India. The report is drawn from a diverse pool of 5,798 respondents —70 per cent youth and 30 per cent elders — across 10 metro and non-metro cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Kanpur, Nagpur, Hyderabad and Madurai.

The study found that youth in non-metro cities tend to have deeper respect and stronger bonds with older generations compared to those in metros. Youth in non-metros scored higher on the “Value and Respect” index, registering a score of 65.18 out of 100, compared to 62.52 among metro-based youth. This suggests that traditional and community-based values in smaller cities foster closer intergenerational relationships. However, youth in these areas also expressed more anxiety about ageing and perceived a wider generation gap.

The report showed that young people often associate elders with a mix of empathy and stereotypes. While 56 per cent of youth described elders as “lonely” and 48 per cent as “dependent,” 51 per cent also saw them as “wise” and 43 per cent as “respected.”

Elders, on the other hand, maintained strong family ties, connecting primarily with sons (50 per cent) and grandsons (40 per cent), while youth mostly interacted with grandparents (49 per cent) and parents (45 per cent).

Despite the prevalence of face-to-face communication — accounting for 88 per cent of interactions — the digital divide remains significant. While 71 per cent of elders still use basic phones, only 41 per cent own smartphones. Just 13 per cent use the internet or social media and only 5 per cent access services like online banking or health apps.

Notably, 14 per cent of elders reported not using any digital tools. Barriers to digital inclusion include 66 per cent of elders finding technology confusing and 51 per cent fearing they might make mistakes. Although youth are helping bridge this gap — 54 per cent of children and 52 per cent of grandchildren serve as digital guides — they often perceive elders as disinterested (78 per cent) or forgetful (66 per cent), while elders cite youth’s impatience (71 per cent) and fast-paced explanations (49 per cent) as obstacles.

Busy schedules were cited as a major limitation to deeper interaction, with 76 per cent of elders and 74 per cent of youth agreeing that time constraints hinder meaningful exchanges.

Interestingly, 25 per cent of youth reported feeling judged or scrutinised during intergenerational conversations, slightly more than elders at 22 per cent. Both groups acknowledged the presence of a generation gap, with 51 per cent of youth and 45 per cent of elders agreeing it exists.

Perceptions about support also revealed discrepancies. Elders felt that youth assisted them significantly — 55 per cent with ATM withdrawals and 40 per cent with health insurance — but youth underreported their own contributions, with only 23 per cent and 18 per cent, respectively, acknowledging these roles.

While 29 per cent of youth claimed they did not provide any financial support, only 6 per cent of elders said they received none.

On the issue of health, both generations showed strong alignment. Over 80 per cent of both youth and elders agreed that young people should accompany elders to medical appointments and about 65 per cent believed in assisting with medication and home care. Both also expressed similar fears about old age, including loneliness (youth: 69 per cent, elders: 68 per cent), poor health (67 per cent vs 61 per cent) and financial insecurity (62 per cent vs 58 per cent).

When asked what makes for a fulfilling old age, both groups pointed to financial stability and good mental and physical health.

The report also reaffirmed the continuing strength of India’s family-based living arrangements. A significant 88 per cent of youth expressed a desire to live with family in their old age, while 83 per cent of elders currently do or intend to, demonstrating the enduring value of multigenerational households.

Rohit Prasad, CEO, HelpAge India, said, “This report is both a heartening affirmation and a timely wake-up call. While respect for elders remains strong in India, many still feel unheard or emotionally distant. The gap between perception and practice —where elders are told, not asked — must be bridged. As we navigate our demographic shift, the real opportunity lies in unlocking intergenerational value. By working together across caregiving, digital literacy and learning, we can turn ageing into a phase of shared purpose, not isolation.”

As India’s elderly population is projected to reach 20 per cent by 2050, the report highlights the urgent need to strengthen family systems, bridge the digital divide, and foster intergenerational understanding for a more inclusive and age-friendly society.

Delhi