INDIA: Hyderabad Discovers Joys of Growing Old Together

HYDERABAD, Andhra Pradesh (The Times of India), July 6, 2006: Senior citizens in the city are discovering the joys of growing old together as the real estate industry offers gated communities meant exclusively for them. The empty-nest syndrome may be commonplace in this neck of the woods but that does not mean that the aged are making a beeline for institutions that offer care-taking facilities. They revel in their independence, and aren't willing to compromise on it. They have their own lives that keep them busy, and yes, they also have fond memories. But if the recent burglaries in the homes of senior citizens who live by themselves are any indication, then the vulnerability that comes with age, offers a few challenges. The main requirements of senior citizens are safety, health care, companionship and recreation. Now a real estate company, which is also into social work, has taken on the mantle of starting residential communities for the aged in the city that will address these requirements. The concept is already popular in a few countries, but it's definitely a first in Hyderabad. "We had already started this concept in cities like Chennai and Coimbatore, and it is equally popular in Delhi and Bangalore as well. But it has just begun here," says Ravula Anjaiah, president of the township exclusively for the old at Shameerpet. And quite a lot of people are deeply interested. Bharav Rao, a 71-year-old retired marketing executive says, "These communities sound like a fantastic idea. My main concern, as my wife and I grow older, is healthcare, which these communities aim to provide. It would be very reassuring to know that everything you might need is available nearby." But even people who are not exercising the gated option are finding ways to stay together. And planning ahead is the key. "My colleagues and I have purchased land near the Chilkur Balaji temple so that we can all build our homes there and age together. It seems like a smart idea to have friends living around you in old age when you will need support. We can all help each other out," says Rashmi Dev, who works for a government bank. Gated communities are favourable to nursing homes or old age homes. These colonies of independent homes – with a centralised kitchen, meditation centre, medical facility and interaction centre – offer a sense of security. "While ensuring that dwellers get a lot of personal space, there are provisions to allow interaction with others. Also, kids too are happy to know that their parents are well taken care of," reasons a real estate agent. But why did real estate agents take so long to start this concept? "Aging parents did not have to live by themselves until recently. Either they just moved in with kids or continued to be in a joint family set up. But now with youngsters shifting abroad or to different cities in the country, parents are left with little choice but to look out for themselves. While there is money in this segment, there is no emotional help. This is a market that's untapped," says Shiv Kumar S, marketing manager of real estate. By Shalini P. Copyright ©2006 Times Internet Limited.