HelpAge India report calls for strengthening intergenerational bonds
Team L&M
On the occasion of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which falls on June 15,ย HelpAge India released a report based on its studyย on ‘Understanding Intergenerational Dynamics & Perceptions on Ageing’. Titled India Intergenerational Bonds – INBO Report, it is first-of-its-kind national study.
The national study was conducted across 10 metro & non-metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kanpur, Nagpur, and Madurai) covering both the youth & the elderly, belonging to SEC B and C urban households. It combined both the quantitative element along with qualitative Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to explore perceptions, interactions, and emotional dynamics between youth and elders in urban India.
The study surveyed 5798 respondents, with the proportion of youth (18-30 years) – 70% and elders (60 years & above) – 30%. This study addresses the urgent need to understand emotional, relational, and psychological aspects of intergenerational ties in urban India.
โThis report offers both a heartening affirmation and a timely wake-up call. While respect for elders and family ties remain deeply cherished in Indiaโwith 86% of elders feeling valuedโbeneath the surface lies a quieter, more concerning disconnect. Many elders still feel emotionally distant, unheard, or excluded from meaningful engagement. Expressions like โWe are told the plan, not askedโ reflect a perception-practice gap that must be addressed. Are we truly listening to our eldersโor simply assuming we are? As India moves forward with its unique demographic advantageโhome to the worldโs largest youth population and a rapidly growing elder segmentโwe must build an age-inclusive society that goes beyond the youth or longevity dividend. The real opportunity lies in unlocking the power of โintergenerational value.โ Through intentional collaboration across generationsโin caregiving, digital literacy, lifelong learning, and volunteeringโwe can transform ageing from a phase of isolation into one of shared purpose, where generations are bridged not just in proximity, but in vision and co-creationโ, says Rohit Prasad, CEO, HelpAge India.
As of 2025, approximately 12% of the Indian population is aged 60 and above, a figure projected to rise to 19% by 2050. At the same time, India also holds the distinction of being home to the worldโs largest youth population, with over 365 million individuals aged 15โ29 years.
The report revealed that youth primarily associate elders as being “lonely” (56%), “dependent” (48%), but also “wise” (51%) and “respected” (43%), indicating a mix of empathy and admiration, along with the existence of stereotypical views.
โYoung adults, especially those aged 18โ24, share strong emotional bonds with their grandparentsโparticularly in multigenerational households. Interestingly, youth living apart often hold more positive perceptions of ageing, showing that distance doesnโt always mean disconnect. Despite lifestyle differences and digital immersion, youth and elders largely agree on the familyโs central role in elder care. Youth acknowledge the generation gap but are willing to bridge itโvolunteering to talk to lonely elders, assist with errands, and support digital inclusion. They want educational institutions to help them understand ageing and organize intergenerational activities. And while elders may sometimes feel undervalued, they still want to spend more time with youth, feel uplifted after meeting them, and prefer living in family. Thatโs the complexity to collectively address โby strengthening the positives and consciously addressing the gaps.โ says Anupama Datta, Policy Research & Advocacy, HelpAge India.
Media greatly influences youth perceptions of the elderly, with 80% saying portrayals affect their viewsโoften showing elders as wise and caring, but also dependent or comic.
โHelpAge is advancing an intergenerational approach through its #GenerationsTogether initiativeโconnecting youth and seniors via digital empowerment, volunteering, and shared learning. Recognizing mediaโs influence on youth perceptions of ageing, we will collaborate with media, industry, and stakeholders to promote age-positive narratives,โ says Prateep Chakraborty, COO, HelpAge India.
Key highlights of the report:
- In non-metro cities, youth and elders report stronger traditional values and intergenerational bonds, but also greater fears about aging and wider perceived generation gaps.
- In terms of proximity to elders, a notable difference in score, is seen between metro city youth (62.52) and those in non-metro cities (65.18), with the latter showing stronger expressions of respect, possibly due to more traditional or community-oriented value systems.
- The overall โValue and Respectโ score among youth is 63.59 (out of 100), reflecting a broadly positive outlook on older adults and their societal role. Youth in non-metros score higher (65.18) than metro counterparts (62.52), indicating deeper respect, likely linked to community-oriented values.
- Youth mostly interact with grandparents (49%) and parents (45%), while elders connect primarily with sons (50%) and grandsons (40%), underscoring the familyโs central role.
- Although 88% of intergenerational communication is face-to-face, the digital divide persists. While 71% of elders use basic phones, only 41% have smartphones. Just 13% use the internet or social media, and only 5% access services like online banking or health apps. Notably, 14% of elders use no digital tools.
- Barriers to digital adoption include 66% of elders finding technology confusing and 51% fearing errors. Youth serve as key enablers, with 54% of children and 52% of grandchildren acting as digital guides. Yet, youth perceive elders as disinterested (78%) or forgetful (66%), while elders cite youthโs lack of patience (71%) and fast explanations (49%).
- Both groups agree that youthsโ busy schedules hinder interaction (elders: 76%, youth: 74%). Youth (25%) feel more judged & scrutinized during interactions than elders (22%). A โgeneration gapโ is acknowledged by both (youth: 51%, elders: 45%).
- Disparities exist in perceived support: elders report high youth assistance with ATM withdrawals (55%) and health insurance (40%), while youth underreport their contributions (23% and 18%, respectively). While 29% of youth claim they offer no financial support, only 6% of elders say they receive none.
- On health, thereโs strong mutual support: 81% of elders and 82% of youth believe youth should accompany elders to doctors, and 65% from both sides support help with medication and home care.
- Both generations share similar fears for old age: loneliness (youth: 69%, elders: 68%), poor health (67% vs. 61%), and financial insecurity (62% vs. 58%). They agree that financial security (elders: 70%, youth: 72%) and good physical and mental health are key to a fulfilling old age.
- The desire to live with family remains strong: 88% of youth expect to live with family when old, and 83% of elders currently do or plan to โ reinforcing the enduring importance of family-based living.