70 Pct Elders Consider City Life Unsafe

Bangalore: 80 percent senior citizens living in major cities worry about housebreaking due to the rising incidents of burglary and thefts reported from homes, said a recent survey.

The survey by A Z Research Partners found this to be one of the main reasons why 70 percent senior citizens living in cities find life in metros hectic and wish to move to smaller towns and properties of their own, reported TNN.

Eight out of every 10 aged people worry about their security at home. Many even regard using domestic help as unsafe. The survey revealed that an increasing number of senior citizens like to live alone as it gives them a sense of freedom, but they said that they do require help with certain household tasks.

The survey said "Shopping, bill payment and gardening are activities the elderly like to do themselves. The least preferred activities are cooking, ironing clothes, cleaning and doing laundry," as reported by TNN.

Managing Director Sujay Misra said "We collected responses from elderly people who have assets worth Rs 2 crore. If those who can afford a better lifestyle are unhappy then the problem should be more serious as you go down the income ladder."

The survey was conducted in 12 cities, including Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai and Kolkata for over three months covering 1,900 senior citizens.

The study looked at the discontent among the elderly for not being able to continue with their lifestyle and the lack of security and facilities. It was noted that 58 percent had no inhibitions about moving to a better living space if it offered security, 83 percent opted for calm and natural environs, 81 percent chose non-medical care-giving, social environment was opted for by 79 percent and an aspired lifestyle was chosen by 76 percent.

Misra said "There is a demand for community centres where elders can check themselves in if they can afford it. These centres are supposed to provide a secure environment, caregivers, a chance to pursue hobbies, opportunities for friendship and recreation," as reported by TNN.

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