Home alone in their twilight years

Senior citizens who live independently are an increasing part of Tiruchi’s demographic

Suba Selvam, 77, gets up early in her Airport Road area residence, and follows a routine familiar to most retirees — prayer, cleaning, coffee, grocery shopping and TV appointments for favourite serials. “I spend most of my time cleaning, and because I am alone, I’ve become a bit obsessive about it,” laughs Ms. Selvam, a former presenter at All India Radio., Tiruchi.

Senior citizens who live alone independently like Ms. Selvam are an increasing part of Tiruchi’s demographic in recent years. Many professionals who have worked elsewhere choose to settle down in the city after retirement because of its easy transport connectivity and proximity to historic temples and shrines of all faiths. Geographical distances have shrunk with the help of internet-enabled telephony that lets family members stay in touch with their elderly relatives from anywhere in the world.

“Thanks to the advancements in modern medicine, the life expectancy of an average Indian has significantly increased. We as family physicians encounter a growing number of patients living into their 70s and 80s  and walking fairly steadily into our clinic. Quite often these days,  we receive invitations from children to attend the 70th or 80th birthday celebrations of their parents who happen to be our patients,” S. Srinivas, consultant physician, Srinivas Hospital, Thillai Nagar, told The Hindu.

Dr. Srinivas said that with the proportion of elderly population in Tamil Nadu being the second-highest in India at 13.6% (as per National Statistical Office), the senior population is expected to triple by 2050.

The quality of life that senior citizens have in the city depends on factors such as secure housing, financial independence and access to healthcare. Whether living singly or with their spouses, or as ‘empty nesters’ — couples whose adult children have moved out of the family home — the elderly have learned to depend on an ecosystem of ancillary services.

“I prefer to shop for my groceries myself, and get around town on auto-rickshaws because walking has become difficult for me. Even though my children often scold me for over-tipping the auto driver, I find it best to be generous with anyone who helps me,” said Ms. Selvam.

Much before app-based food delivery became a booming business during the pandemic, caterers specialising in packed home-style meals for the elderly had already established themselves over Tiruchi and Srirangam.