65.6 Per Cent Of The Elderly In Their 70s Or 80s Actively Seek Work: Agewell Report

Senior citizens in India are eager to work, but only around 23 per cent get the chance to work after retirement. According to the recently issued study report ‘Status Of Gainful Engagement Opportunities For Old People In India’ by Agewell Foundation, a majority of the rising elderly population in India is economically vulnerable, despite their desire to remain engaged and in an earning position. The study undertook a survey of 10,000 individuals aged 55 (8044 aged 60 years and above) in over 400 districts. The report highlights that around 73 per cent of senior citizens are open to work post-retirement, but only around 23 per cent are engaged in any productive activity. Around 66 per cent (65.6 per cent) of seniors in the age group of 70s and 80s seek work actively, indicating late-age work-seeking is quite visible.

Reasons For Seeking Work Post-Retirement

The report also highlights that seeking work post-retirement is not always for financial necessity, but there are other factors, too, that drive seniors to stay engaged.  

These include the desire to stay mentally and physically active (94 per cent) and maintaining their self-respect and dignity (88 per cent). However, financial reasons remain a prominent reality and cannot be ruled out, as 9 per cent of the elderly report no regular income, and 19 per cent depend on old age pension (Rs 1000 to Rs 3000 per month), and around 36 per cent rely on government pension. That’s why they seek work to cope with the rising living costs. This becomes all the more important due to urbanisation, the breakdown of the traditional family support system, and the rise of nuclear families.

No Work Opportunities

While older individuals are willing to work, there do not appear to be enough meaningful opportunities for them. According to the report, approximately 66 per cent of respondents stated that there are ‘almost no’ meaningful work options available to them. The report highlights digital illiteracy, ageism, and poor infrastructure as major reasons for this lack of opportunity.

It highlights that most employment opportunities for the elderly are concentrated in fields such as the agricultural sector, informal labour, and small family businesses, where formal qualifications and modern skills like digital literacy are not needed. But these sectors offer little or no financial stability, social security, and healthcare benefits. Besides, the elderly in rural areas are likely to remain engaged for longer than their urban counterpart. It is because of the formalisation of jobs in urban areas and competition from the younger and tech-savvy workers. Typically, the roles offered to older adults include consultancy, mentorship in academia and corporate, freelancing, and roles in NGOs.

Communication With Family Members

The study also underscores the communication gap between generations. A majority of seniors, around 65 per cent, report rare or no meaningful communication with younger family members. This trend leads to feelings of isolation and neglect. Nearly 59 per cent of the respondents agree that poor communication with family members is a major factor pushing them to become financially independent and self-reliant.

SACRED Platform And Other Schemes

The report also highlights that despite seeking work opportunities, the elderly are not aware of the Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity (SACRED) portal and other related schemes. Only 3.3 per cent (2.1 per cent in rural areas, 2.5 per cent in small towns, and 4.6 per cent in Metro cities) are aware of the schemes.    

Recommendations

Himanshu Rath, Founder Chairman, Agewell Foundation, says, "While current engagement levels are modest, the willingness to work and contribute remains strong. Unlocking this potential through policy, corporate innovation, and family support can transform retirement from dependency to empowerment."

The report stresses that the senior population has a lot of potential which is not being harnessed; instead elderly are seen as a burden rather than an asset. It suggests taking a multi-stakeholder approach with policymakers to create flexible job opportunities and incentivize companies to hire seniors. Further, it emphasises re-skilling of the elderly and working on enhancing their digital literacy, and creating an age-inclusive ecosystem where seniors can live with dignity and purpose and remain valuable contributors to the country’s social and economic growth.