60–74 years
Later adulthood
Retirement, children moving away and the loss of friends or a spouse can change daily life a great deal. Feeling low or lonely is common, but it is not an inevitable part of growing older, and support helps.
Written for: Individuals and their adult children. All age pathways
What someone might experience
These are common, not certain. Many people go through some of them and are fine.
- Depression and anxiety
- Grief and bereavement
- Loneliness
- Adjusting to retirement
- Changes in memory and thinking
- Early dementia
- Sleep difficulties
- Distress related to chronic illness
- Elder abuse
- Problems with alcohol or medicines
- Effects of neglect, abuse or exposure to violence
Signs you might notice
A card to keep or share. These are signs to notice and talk about, not a diagnosis. Later adulthood, 60–74 years.
- Sadness that lasts
- Withdrawing from social activities
- Changes in memory or in managing daily tasks
- Confusion
- Neglecting self-care
- Fearfulness
- Injuries that are not explained
- Taking medicines incorrectly
If several of these are present, or they are getting worse, speak to a doctor, counsellor or one of the services below. If someone may be in danger, call 112.
What shapes this in India
Not everything is about the person. Their surroundings matter a great deal.
- Living alone, or apart from family
- Adult children migrating for work
- Losing a spouse and familiar social roles
- Ageism
- Limited mobility and transport
- Financial dependence and insecure pensions
- Few geriatric and mental health services
- Being left out of an increasingly digital world
What can help
- Joined-up geriatric and primary mental health care
- Assessment of memory and mood
- Community groups and social activities
- Bereavement support
- Accessible transport
- Regular review of medicines
- Elder protection services
Important to know
Depression can affect memory. It needs to be told apart from dementia by a professional. New or sudden confusion needs urgent medical evaluation.
SAATHI cannot diagnose. Faith, prayer and traditional healers are part of many families' lives, and can sit alongside care. If something is affecting daily life, please also see a doctor or counsellor.
If you're a parent, teacher or family member
- Keep a regular rhythm of calls or visits, and ask about their day in detail.
- Help set up a simple pill box and review medicines with the doctor once a year.
- Look for local groups, satsangs, walking circles or senior citizen associations they might enjoy.
- Take unexplained injuries or fearfulness seriously, and ask about them privately.
Who to ask near you
You do not have to work this out alone. These are real services in India. Availability varies by district, so a call or a visit is the best way to check.
- The geriatric clinic at the district hospital, where doctors look at body and mind together.
- Elderline 14567, the national helpline for senior citizens.
- The doctor at your PHC or CHC, and your ASHA, who can arrange home visits where available.
- Tele-MANAS on 14416 for someone to talk to, in your own language.
- A temple, mosque, church, gurdwara or senior citizens' group in your area. Company matters too.
Helplines, free in India
- 112Emergency Response Support System Police, fire and ambulance. Call if someone is in immediate danger.
- 14416Tele-MANAS Free national mental health support, 24 hours, in many Indian languages. Also 1-800-891-4416.
- 181Women Helpline Support and referral for women facing violence, 24 hours.
- 1098Childline For children in need of care and protection, or adults worried about a child.
- 14567Elderline National helpline for senior citizens.