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Press Release

New Delhi, 30th September, 2018- By 2050 India will have more than 30 crore people over
60 (which is about the same as the present population of the USA). Here’ a look at what
they are thinking.
The AIHSS 2.0 (All India HUM Senior Survey 2.0) released by HUM Communities of over 6178
Elders (retired/senior citizens over 50 years) in tier 1 and tier 2 cities across India has shown
that-
1. 40% men and 10% of women over 60 are working for their survival.
2. 77% are suffering from Anxiety/Depression.
3. 93 % have been discriminated on the basis of their ‘Age’.

About HUM Communities


A social enterprise focused on the betterment of the lives of retired/senior professionals in our
society, HUM Communities is India’s first and leading platform for senior citizens and retires
which is working with the mission of getting Jobs, Information and Engagement for retired
seniors, many of whom still want to work. A platform which can facilitate MSME’s getting highly
experienced and stable candidates with 25+ years of experience in their niche while saving on
the monthly salary cost (up to 50%) & contributing towards a more inclusive economy for the
seniors. Additionally, they are also operating and developing community groups of like-minded
seniors across 25 cities on various social media platforms based on their interests like grand
parenting, gardening and to promote healthy ageing, yoga, spirituality & positive news.
Press Release

Results of the survey


R K Vij, Founding Partner at HUM communities said,” Although, advance healthcare has lead to
fewer and fewer cases of people suffering from ‘Dementia’, the real epidemic now is ‘Anxiety &
Depression’ among the elders in India.” While only 16% of the people surveyed indicated that
they knew someone intimately with age-related memory issues, almost 77 % indicated thinking
or worrying about it.

“What saddens senior the most is that around 93% of them said that younger people frequently
made them feel that, the limited resources which are available, should be spent on themselves
rather than on elders.” pointed out Kritarth, Founding Partner at HUM Communities.
“Another important/interesting finding of the 2nd survey is that 96% of people surveyed said that
they are made to feel that they have ‘had their turn’ and should make way for the younger
generations. I deeply feel it's quite unfair when someone who is willing to work and has the
capability to excel, is not offered a suitable opportunity on the basis of his/her age.” Adds
Kritarth.
The previous generation of elders (born during 1930’s) had a very different perception when it
came to retirement; the ideology of depending upon the younger generations for the rest of their
days and simply waiting for the ultimate reality was very common among them, but AIHSS 2.0
has shown that this is not the case anymore!

The new generation elders (born during 1960’s) perceive old age as a new beginning to kick
start the 2nd innings of their life. Most of them are full of zest and are willing to work hard even
after retiring to remain financially secure and independent for the rest of their day.
“This open an entire category for advertisers & companies” emphasis Kritarth.

Population ageing -

Population ageing is an irreversible reality which highlighted in the survey & it exists because of
radical improvements in health and medical care. With longevity and declining fertility rates, the
population of senior people (60 years and above) is growing faster than the general population.
The survey also shows that old-age dependency in the population is gradually increasing. The
shift from a period of high mortality, short lives, and large families to one with a longer life, far
and fewer children is the major cause behind this transition This means that the elderly have to
depend upon incomes and revenues generated by a dwindling number of younger workers.
Based on the 2011 Census, the overall old-age dependency ratio shows that there are over 14
elderly per 100 working age population, with significant variations across states.

“I read the survey report and found that 62% of the elders remember being told in the past 1
year that they should "act their age" and felt uncomfortable dressing like younger people &
eating at places where they used to as youngsters. This is not just not okay!” Mr. Tandon, a
HUM Volunteer/Admin.
Press Release

Insecurity due to meagre personal Income -

Our previous survey indicates that 24% of men and around 62 % of women (above the age of
58) do not have any personal income. However, if income primarily accrues from their work, it is
very likely that their dependence on work will increase with age. AIHSS 2.0 shows that amongst
the people in the age group of 58-70, 80% men and 55% women (who had worked at some
point in their lives) were extremely willing to take on new challenges & Income insecurity is one
of the major causes of vulnerability among them. Elderly people in India not only work to support
themselves but also make economic contributions to their households.

NO Social Security -

Over 80 % of the elders (55+) in our country are not covered under any adequate social security
schemes. Therefore, most of them are economically insecure and need to depend on their
meager savings or entirely on their children for sustenance. In the absence of any such support,
many of them suffer a loss of independence and self-dignity. AIHSS 2.0 states that 40% elders
feel that their income post retirement doesn't cover basic services like food, water, electricity,
and decent housing and almost 70% of them said they have trouble accessing ‘quality
healthcare’.

HUM Communities is on a mission to spread the awareness of hiring senior/retirees and how
MSME’s can benefit from their experience. Out of the 200+ employers approached by them so
far more than 50 of them have shared requirements and have given roles like Wealth Advisors,
Mentors, Managers, Writers, Trainers, Assessors, Auditors, Accountants, Liaoning, and
Recruiters amongst others that are available with them. At present HUM Seniors are working in
MNC’s like Baja Capital, Genpact, and startups in IIT Delhi like Vizara Technologies, Sanfe
India to mention a few.

“With people living longer, we have a good chance of balancing the U curve of happiness so
that their last 20 years are as happy and carefree as the first 20. Longevity is here to stay. A
movement to end ageism is underway. I'm in it, and I hope you will join me in it.” Adds Mr. Vij,
the 78-year-young entrepreneur.

Note to the editor

For more details about the AIHSS, please reach out to the undersigned.
Contact -
Kritarth Malhotra
8700-163-271
B-183, Shivalik,
Malviya Nagar,
New Delhi – 17.

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