The pandemic of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and the resulting lockdown had a significant effect on seniors, with one in three of the seniors spoken of worrying that they would catch the disease, and 29 percent affected by social isolation due to imposed restrictions, reveals a survey on difficulties they had to face among senior citizens from north, south and west India.
Antara, an integrated service provider for senior care needs, conducted the study.
“However, according to the survey, over 20.3 percent of the respondents noted that they were not overly concerned about the pandemic or getting infected.”
The government’s pandemic response was applauded by at least half of those surveyed.
As Covid-19 continues to spread, seniors, who may require frequent assistance for their everyday activities, remain the most vulnerable and high-risk demographic group. The survey showed that 77 percent of seniors in the three survey regions lived in their own or leased houses separately. Just 16 percent of seniors said they were living with their kids or grandkids.
For a country like India that is supposed to experience significant demographic changes, the ‘State of Seniors’ survey is extremely important. The senior population will constitute a significantly important market segment over the next few years and will need specialized services and products for a hassle-free ageing experience,” Rajit Mehta, MD and CEO, Antara, said of the results of the survey.
We intend to highlight the perceptions, attitudes, social habits and buying behaviors of seniors in India through this survey so that we can cater to their age-specific needs with the right products and services. This, I think, will be a big step towards unlocking this sector’s economic and social potential,’ he added.
