1 week ago
Kolkata’s Older Residents Seek Safer, More Age-Friendly City
Many older people in Kolkata are active and still work, travel or enjoy hobbies.
But moving around the city can be difficult for them.
Broken sidewalks and busy roads can make walking unsafe.
High bus steps, difficult metro stations and bumpy rides also create problems.
Older residents want more helpful passengers, conductors and drivers.
They would also like doctors to visit homes and medicines to be easier to get.
Some say neighbourhoods are less connected than before, which can make people feel lonely.
They want safe places and activities where older people can meet and stay involved.
Senior citizens say uneven footpaths, dug-up roads and encroachments make walking unsafe.
They want more low-floor AC buses, accessible metro stations and greater assistance while boarding public transport.
Residents call for renewed doctors’ home visits, separate hospital queues and easier medicine delivery.
Many older people say shrinking neighbourhood bonds and loneliness are increasing challenges.
They want stronger local communities and more educational, cultural, spiritual and fitness activities.
- Who
- Senior citizens living in Kolkata, including residents who work, volunteer, travel and remain socially active.
- What
- They are asking for improvements to transport, roads, healthcare access and community life.
- Where
- Kolkata, including areas such as Nimta, Belgharia, Kankurgachi, Jadavpur, Golpark and Behala.
- When
- The concerns were highlighted on Senior Citizens’ Day; no specific date is given.
- Why
- Uneven footpaths, inaccessible transport, limited healthcare support and weakening neighbourhood connections make daily life harder for older residents.
Key facts
- Transport concerns
- High bus footboards, difficult boarding, inaccessible metro stations, auto queues and bumpy toto rides affect mobility.
- Road safety
- Residents report dug-up roads, broken footpaths, hawker encroachments and fast-moving vehicles.
- Preferred transport
- App cabs are described as convenient, while AC buses are considered comfortable and cost-effective.
- Healthcare requests
- Residents want doctors’ home visits, separate hospital queues and medicine delivery from local pharmacies.
- Existing support
- Kolkata Police’s Pronam programme provides welfare checks, emergency medical assistance, legal guidance, psychological support and a 24-hour helpline.
- Community needs
- Older residents want stronger neighbourhood networks and more educational, cultural, spiritual and fitness activities.
Quotes
Ratna Majumdar
An 80-year-old voluntary teacher and Kolkata resident
“Boarding totos, autos and cycle-rickshaws is difficult because they lack proper footboards. Buses also need to be more senior-friendly, with passengers and conductors helping older people board and carry their bags. More than infrastructure, we need empathy.”
telegraphindia.com
“Loneliness is the biggest challenge. Older people need opportunities to stay engaged through educational, cultural and spiritual activities while remaining connected with neighbours and friends.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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