The 'State of The State of Seniors' survey by Antara, a subsidiary of Max Group, reveals out that the financial security and sustainable incomes are a major worry for seniors,apart from the fear of contracting serious ailments in their silver years. The survey says social isolation was a serious concern for seniors people during the lockdown, ranking behind the fear of the infection. 

Due to the Pandemic outbreak, the elderly population, especially those living alone, remains indoors, often without adequate support. The survey also revealed low insurance cover penetration among the populations aged 55 plus. The senior population who are at a considerable risk of contracting the virus began taking several measures to strengthen their immunity and improve their health, says the survey. The most preferred measure to maintain good health is regular physical exercise coupled with a balanced diet. A little over one fourth of the respondents practice Yoga. More than 34% of the respondents access home remedies such as kadhas, herbal concoctions. 

Alarmingly, close to 18 per cent of the senior population interviewed was taking no specific measures to become and stay healthy. Due to their pre-existing conditions and comorbidities, the  most vulnerable and high-risk demographic segment requires active intervention especially during a major healthcare crisis. The senior population who live alone in India is slated to increase in next two decades which is 20 million now. 77% of seniors across the three survey regions North (Delhi-NCR), the West (Mumbai and Pune), and the South (Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad) live independently either in their own or rented houses. Only 16% live with family. 

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