75+ years
Advanced later life
Later life often brings more dependence on others, and with it the need for care that protects dignity. This page is for older people and for the families and caregivers who look after them.
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.
- Dementia and other conditions affecting memory and thinking
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Delirium, a sudden state of confusion
- Grief that does not ease
- Loneliness
- Changes in sleep and behaviour linked to illness
- Caregiver stress
- Elder abuse and neglect
- 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. Advanced later life, 75+ years.
- Disorientation
- Getting lost
- Changes in personality
- Difficulty with daily tasks
- Sudden confusion
- Eating less
- Fear or agitation
- Repeated falls
- Signs of neglect or being taken advantage of
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.
- Frailty and living with several health conditions
- Needing help with everyday activities
- Widowhood
- Isolation
- Poverty and inadequate pensions
- Homes and services that are hard to access
- Too few caregivers
- Neglect shaped by age and gender
- Limited access to specialist geriatric care
What can help
- Full medical and memory assessment
- Care that understands dementia
- Education and respite breaks for caregivers
- Support at home and in the community
- Safeguarding
- Palliative and end-of-life emotional support where appropriate
Important to know
Sudden confusion or a sudden change in behaviour may be delirium or another medical emergency. It is not simply ageing or dementia.
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
- If confusion appears suddenly, over hours or days, seek medical care the same day.
- Keep daily routines familiar, with good lighting, glasses and hearing aids in use.
- Arrange regular breaks for the main caregiver. Exhausted caregivers need care too.
- Watch for signs of financial exploitation, and keep important documents safe.
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.