Senior Saathi Initiative, Led by Hari Chandana IAS, Brings Community Companionship to Hyderabad’s Elderly
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad District Administration has launched Senior Saathi, a first-of-its-kind companionship initiative aimed at supporting elderly citizens who live alone. The program, inaugurated at the Hyderabad Collectorate by District In-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and District Collector Hari Chandana, IAS, has been developed in partnership with the Youngistaan Foundation and the Department of Welfare of Disabled and Senior Citizens.
With shifting family structures, children relocating to other cities or abroad, and rapid changes in urban lifestyles, a growing number of senior citizens experience isolation despite living in densely populated neighbourhoods. Senior Saathi seeks to address this gap through structured emotional and social support.
A Community-Led Companionship Model
Under the initiative, trained youth volunteers—selected through psychometric assessments, background verification, and sensitivity training—will spend time with senior citizens every week. Activities include conversations, walks, games, cultural celebrations, reading assistance, digital learning, and support with basic tasks. The focus, officials say, is to create a sense of belonging, emotional safety, and trust.
During the launch, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar emphasised the importance of intergenerational connection. He noted that while earlier joint families ensured regular interaction with elders, modern lifestyles often leave senior citizens without daily social contact. Stressing that the government stands firmly behind senior welfare, he urged citizens to value the experience and wisdom of elders and to remain connected with parents through calls and digital communication when living far away.
The Minister also highlighted concerns around cyber safety and property-related vulnerabilities affecting the elderly and appealed to families and communities to act with responsibility and care.
Collector’s Perspective: Building a Supportive Urban Culture
Addressing the gathering, Collector Hari Chandana said that the government’s approach toward senior citizens is grounded in empathy and strong institutional support. She noted that the administration regularly takes up cases related to senior welfare and ensures swift action.
Chandana also expressed concern about the gradual decline in community values and shared spaces, emphasising the need for younger generations to learn from the lived experiences of senior citizens. She announced that the district would soon initiate steps to establish a Senior Day-Care Centre in Hyderabad, offering expanded support services for elders.
Why Senior Saathi Matters
Research indicates that more than 13% of seniors in India experience symptoms of depression, with loneliness emerging as a major contributor. Global public health studies from the U.S., Japan, and Europe show that regular social interaction reduces anxiety, improves cognitive functioning, and lowers early-mortality risk by nearly 30%.
Officials believe Senior Saathi combines global insights with local community needs, creating a model that other districts can replicate. Minister Prabhakar expressed hope that Hyderabad’s program will become a statewide and national role model for elderly companionship and social inclusion.
Execution and Oversight
Youngistaan Foundation founder Arun, who conceptualised the program, received appreciation from the Minister for bringing the initiative to Hyderabad. Senior officials from the Welfare Department, members of senior citizens’ associations, and representatives from partner organisations participated in the launch.
The initiative will now be rolled out at the ground level, with monitoring by district authorities to ensure consistent volunteer engagement and timely support for enrolled senior citizens.
A Model for an Ageing India
As Hyderabad grows rapidly—emerging as a major national hub for technology and global capability centres—the administration emphasises that the city’s development must also reflect care, inclusion, and emotional well-being. Senior Saathi, officials say, is part of a broader effort to build a socially cohesive environment where elderly citizens remain active, respected, and connected.