HelpAge India report calls for strengthening intergenerational bonds !

HelpAge India report calls for strengthening intergenerational bonds ! 

June 13, 2025: To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), HelpAge India launched the

'Understanding Intergenerational Dynamics & Perceptions on Ageing' report (India

Intergenerational Bonds - INBO Report), a first-of-its-kind national study. Following the release, a

panel discussion was held.

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.

“This report offers both a heartening affirmation and a timely wake-up call. While respect for elders

and family ties remain deeply cherished in India—with 86% of elders feeling valued—beneath the

surface lies a quieter, more concerning disconnect. Many elders still feel emotionally distant,

unheard, or excluded from meaningful engagement. Expressions like ‘We are told the plan, not asked’

reflect a perception-practice gap that must be addressed. Are we truly listening to our elders—or simply

assuming we are? As India moves forward with its unique demographic advantage—home to the

world’s largest youth population and a rapidly growing elder segment—we must build an age-

inclusive society that goes beyond the youth or longevity dividend. The real opportunity lies in

unlocking the power of ‘intergenerational value.’ Through intentional collaboration across

generations—in caregiving, digital literacy, lifelong learning, and volunteering—we 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-creation”, 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 world’s

largest youth population, with over 365 million individuals aged 15–29 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.

“Young adults, especially those aged 18–24, share strong emotional bonds with their grandparents—

particularly in multigenerational households. Interestingly, youth living apart often hold more positive

perceptions of ageing, showing that distance doesn’t always mean disconnect. Despite lifestyle

differences and digital immersion, youth and elders largely agree on the family’s central role in elder

care. Youth acknowledge the generation gap but are willing to bridge it—volunteering 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. That’s the complexity to collectively address —by strengthening the positives

and consciously addressing the gaps.” says Ms. Anupama Datta, Policy Research & Advocacy,

HelpAge India.

Media greatly influences youth perceptions of the elderly, with 80% saying portrayals affect their

views—often showing elders as wise and caring, but also dependent or comic.

“HelpAge is advancing an intergenerational approach through its #GenerationsTogether initiative—

connecting youth and seniors via digital empowerment, volunteering, and shared learning.

Recognizing media’s influence on youth perceptions of ageing, we will collaborate with media,

industry, and stakeholders to promote age-positive narratives.” 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 ‘Value and Respect’ 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 family’s 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 youth’s lack of patience (71%) and fast explanations

(49%).

• Both groups agree that youths’ busy schedules hinder interaction (elders: 76%, youth:

74%). Youth (25%) feel more judged & scrutinized during interactions than elders (22%). A

“generation gap” 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, there’s 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 — reinforcing the enduring importance

of family-based living.

Recommendations by HelpAge India:

• Schools based intervention – Include ‘Age Sensitization’ programmes or curriculum in

schools, so the foundation for an age friendly & age inclusive society is set early in life,

fostering empathy and age-respect. Government should consider creating a National

Intergenerational Engagement Mission for the purpose.

• Intergenerational care – encourage youth-based community care programmes, and the

immensely critical role in enabling and facilitating care system and networks for elders.

Elder Care Centres in urban and rural areas with youth volunteers. Under its CSR program,

corporate to encourage and incentivise young employees to participate in such activities

as volunteers and support informal caregivers via HR policies.

• Sensitization awareness drives & campaigns using popular media, to transform

mindsets towards being more age sensitive, caring towards elderly and as importantly

valuing potential seniors have in productively contributing and co-creating. A public

Awareness Campaigns Against Ageism would be very useful

• Digital inclusion through Youth-Led programmes, creating opportunities for connection,

bonding & learning between generations, where tech-savvy youth are paired with elders for

digital literacy support. Corporates to play a role in organizing training intergenerational

workshops, giving digital devices and encouraging their teams to develop elder friendly

features in digital devices and apps.

About HelpAge India

HelpAge India is a leading non-profit organization working with and for older people in India for the

past 46 years. It runs healthcare, agecare, livelihood, disaster response and digital empowerment

programs throughout the country & advocates strongly for the elder cause working collaboratively

with stakeholders. It became the first and only Indian organization to be honored with the ‘UN

Population Award 2020’ for its exemplary work in the field of ageing and population issues, and

earlier in 2014, has been the recipient of ‘Vayoshreshtha Samman’ by Government of India as an

institution working for senior citizens.

For more details, visit HelpAge India