World · South & Central Asia · 9 hrs ago
Companion services for older people grow in Indian cities
Companies in Indian cities are hiring companions for older people to provide help and company.
In Gurugram, Roney Raju visits S Budhiraja and his wife, whose daughters live in the United States.
Companions may take clients to temples or hospitals, play cards with them, or simply listen.
India’s population is ageing quickly: people over 60 made up 10.5 percent of the population in 2022.
That share is projected to reach 21 percent by 2050, when about 347 million older Indians may need specialised care.
The growing need is creating a senior-care business, though these services currently target a small minority of urban families with money to spend.
Some companies charge by the hour, and workers are police-verified before starting.
The sources give no specific next step for the companies or the families using them.
Companies in Indian cities are offering paid companions to older people for outings, appointments and social visits.
The services respond to families’ need for support as India’s population ages and relatives may live far away.
Roney Raju, a social worker in Gurugram, accompanies S Budhiraja and his wife, whose daughters live in the United States.
The India Ageing Report 2023 projects that people over 60 will make up 21 percent of India’s population by 2050.
India’s government estimates the senior care industry at about $7bn.
- Who
- Indian companies and workers provide companionship to older people, including Roney Raju and his client S Budhiraja.
- What
- Paid companions help older people with outings, hospital visits and social activities.
- When
- The services are growing; Raju has looked after the Budhirajas for the last few months.
- Where
- Across Indian cities, including Gurugram.
- Why
- Families may need support for older relatives, while India’s population is ageing and some relatives live far away.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A report counted at least five startups offering young companions to seniors.
Ratan Tata promoted a Mumbai-based startup offering services to seniors.
Roney Raju has been looking after S Budhiraja and his wife.
- Population over 60 in 2022
- 10.5 percent of India’s population
- Projected population over 60 by 2050
- 21 percent
- Older Indians needing specialised care by 2050
- About 347 million
- Estimated senior care industry
- About $7bn
- Roney Raju’s client
- S Budhiraja, who is in his 80s
What people are saying
I feel he understands me 200 percent.
Right now, he is family to me.
The world is not designed keeping the senior citizens as the central pillar.