Elderly contributions: Seniors actively engaging in India, from water distribution to mentorship

Before dawn breaks over Panchsheel Park, a white van rolls quietly through its lanes. Inside, earthen pots rattle softly as water is pumped from a large tank. Behind the wheel is Alagarathanam Natarajan — fondly called the “Matka Man” by locals.

Each morning at 5 a.m., accompanied by his dog Snoopy and an assistant, the man in his late 70s inspects and refills dozens of clay water stands set up for labourers, rickshaw pullers and street vendors. What started in 2014 with a single pot outside his home has expanded to nearly 70–80 stands, supplying close to 60,000 litres of water every month and serving over 1.5 lakh people. For Natarajan, it is a quiet mission rooted in compassion.

Beyond formal employment, seniors contribute in numerous ways, as 72% share advice and life experiences, 50% support childcare, 47% manage household responsibilities, 36% make financial contributions, 31% provide emotional support, and 19% volunteer in community activities.


While figures show that elders remain active and invaluable to families and communities, perceptions do not always match reality. Among the youth, 48% view elders as dependent, even though many recognise them as wise (51%), respected (43%), and contributors to financial well-being (36%). Encouragingly, 78% of seniors feel their contributions are acknowledged, but only 44% say this recognition happens consistently, while 34% experience it only sometimes. The gap signals a need for societal change: seniors are ready to engage, but opportunities and platforms remain limited.

Experts suggest age-friendly workplaces with flexible roles and mentorship opportunities, stronger community volunteering platforms, digital training for entrepreneurial or advisory roles, and policy incentives that encourage senior-led initiatives.

HelpAge India’s campaign, AdvantAge 60: Powering Aspirations — Active, Enabled & Empowered, highlights such examples. Neelam Mohan, after building an international garment export business, now runs Panchvati, a senior citizens’ home focused on care and active living.

At 85, artist Niren Sengupta continues painting daily in his Delhi studio, while JR Gupta champions senior rights by addressing cases of elder abuse and promoting community engagement.

As HelpAge India CEO Rohit Prasad notes, senior citizens want to remain involved — to work, mentor, volunteer and even start new ventures — proving that life after 60 can be defined by purpose and participation.

With inputs from TOI