Elderly in Delhi-NCR feel isolated: Study

"83.8 per cent of older persons were found isolated in old age (60 plus age group) in Delhi and NCR. They said that they feel isolated or experience loneliness in their present

life," said the study conducted by Agewell Foundation.

The study aims at understanding the present status and needs of older persons in Delhi and NCR with fast changing socio-economic and demographic scenario, growing popularity of nuclear families and fast changing traditional value system, needs of older persons have also changed vehemently.

It took a representative sample of 15000 older persons (7710 older men and 7290 older women) who were subject to interviews conducted from September to October in 2012.

"Delhi-NCR has a total population of over 2 crore and more than 8 per cent of this consists of older persons (above 60). Delhi alone has an elderly population of over 12 lakh," says the study titled "Comprehensive study on status of older persons Delhi-NCR."

"Level of isolation in old age of older persons living in urban areas was quite higher upto 89.8 per cent in comparison to older persons of rural areas, where 77.6 per cent people reportedly feel isolated," it said

A majority of older persons (44.2 per cent) interviewed said "no or less interaction with family members or within society" is major cause

... contd.