Gen S Life, a lifestyle app for India’s 60+ community has unveiled findings from a multi-city survey that captures the emotional and practical realities of caring for ageing parents. Conducted with over 1,000 respondents across Tier 1 & 2 cities, the study provides a rare lens into how families are navigating love, distance, finances, and responsibility.
The survey reveals that 72% of respondents identified their parents’ health as their primary concern, followed closely by 68% who cited loneliness as a pressing issue. Safety (42%), social life (39%) and financial stability (37%) were also highlighted as secondary concerns. The findings underline that health and emotional wellbeing are now seen as equally urgent priorities in ageing care.
Living arrangements of parents also reflect shifting social structures. 62% of senior parents live independently, either in the same city, in another part of the country, or abroad; while only 2% reside in senior care facilities. This growing physical distance often leaves adult children anxious, with 54% admitting they worry about their parents daily, especially during working hours.
Caregiving, however, is not only emotional but also financial. The survey found that 46% of respondents regularly contribute to their parents’ expenses, while another 26% provide occasional support. Yet, despite these contributions, guilt persists: 57% said they feel they are not doing enough, revealing the hidden emotional cost of caregiving.
Perhaps the most telling finding is that 8 in 10 respondents said they would welcome structured caregiving support if it were reliable and affordable, with many willing to pay for such services. This highlights the readiness of Indian families to adopt organised care solutions that balance love with practical support.
Commenting on the findings, Meenakshi Menon, Founder, Gen S Life, said, “These numbers tell a story of love, responsibility, and worry that millions of Indians live with every day. Health and loneliness are not abstract issues; they are real challenges faced by parents and constant sources of anxiety for children. The fact that eight out of ten people are ready to embrace structured care shows a powerful shift where families are seeking help not because they care less, but because they want to care better.”
The study also sheds light on urban-rural differences. In metropolitan cities, respondents reported higher concerns around parents’ loneliness (71%), while smaller towns highlighted health emergencies (69%) as the primary fear. Among the respondents, the distance amplified guilt, with 63% saying they worry their parents are not truly happy despite financial support.
