“For instance, children make a quick video call to their mothers to help them identify the ingredients at the grocery store and prepare a quick meal for themselves.”
She began her career at HCI as an English Educator before transitioning to the People and Culture department as a Learning and Development (L&D) Officer. Her dedication and performance led to her current role as L&D Coordinator, demonstrating consistent growth and commitment to the organization.
Srividya believes that impactful training must be both innovative and relevant. She is committed to creating learning experiences grounded in real-world scenarios that resonate with participants. Her strengths include aligning learning solutions with organizational goals, working effectively with virtual teams, and consistently delivering high-quality results within deadlines. She has extensive experience designing and delivering tailored training programs in commercial settings, effectively engaging diverse participant groups and client organizations.
Outside of her professional role, Srividya is an enthusiastic traveller with a deep appreciation for different cultures, cuisines, and communities. In her personal time, she enjoys listening to music and spending time with family and friends.
Note- Please note this article represents Srividya’s own experiences and viewpoints. It is not directed at anyone in particular and should not be interpreted as a statement of absolute correctness or judgment.
• How is India’s approach to elder care evolving in the context of rapid technological advancements and increasing global mobility?
The ageing population is not only a growing concern in developing countries, such as India, but it also seems to persist within developed countries. Currently, it is projected that the ageing population could reach up to 310 million by 2050, and this would lead towards a higher dependency on healthcare demands and facilities. To cope with this issue, I firmly believe that technology integration needs to be undertaken across the whole healthcare sector in India. While there has been growing demand for healthcare wearables, AI & IOT-driven applications are believed to transform the workplaces and allow patients to receive the utmost assistance. While there have been high debates related to smart homes and online consultations with doctors, the ageing population and its care have seen a spike since Covid-19. Furthermore, I believe that this growth will continue, and that the elderly will receive assistance from skilled carers, as well as that digital platforms will help this population receive the support they require during their most vulnerable period of life.
• What key cultural shifts are driving the growing acceptance of tech-enabled elder care homes in India?
From my personal experience, I believe there has been a transition within the traditional family structures and the aspirational beliefs within an individual’s expectations of their lifestyle. There has been an upsurge among young Indian adults who are moving abroad to prefer a better lifestyle. Apart from this, the young adult population are seen to prefer pursuing higher education abroad due to several reasons, such as quality of education, area of specialization, an avenue to become independent adults, and employment opportunities. This may seem the best option for many and also remains a prime reason why several parents feel proud to see their children take wings and follow their dreams. However, in pursuing these opportunities, I firmly believe there is a lot to be done in the field of tech-based aged care homes so that the ageing population in India can be taken care of even when their close relatives are not present with them physically. I believe that tech-based elder care facilities are gaining popularity in India due to smaller families, hectic job schedules, and more self-sufficient elders. To achieve this, people today want better, simpler healthcare for the elderly and have more faith in technology. Furthermore, this is only possible if senior citizens become more tech-savvy and willing to learn and adapt to new technologies.
• How has digital technology changed the way Indian families maintain intergenerational relationships when separated by distance?
From my perspective, I had always felt that when children moved abroad, they would struggle to maintain regular contact with their parents. Now, it’s a dream come true scenario with several technological revolutions that have come into place and have assisted in providing the necessary technological support. In the last two decades, technological revolutions such as Industry 4.0 (automation) and 5.0 (collaboration) have not only showcased the transition of automation and data integration across platforms but also promise a revolution that integrates the collaboration among humans and various technologies to provide sustainable solutions. For instance, children make a quick video call to their mothers to help them identify the ingredients at the grocery store and prepare a quick meal for themselves. While digital technologies have enabled Indian families to stay in touch even if they live far apart, social media, video calls, and chats make it simple to communicate, share memorable events, and offer ongoing support to one another.
• What are the main barriers and enablers for older adults in India to adopt new communication technologies?
Some of the major barriers include a lack of digital skills, a fear of technology, and language barriers. However, the Indian digital market for any new technology is vast, and with customisation, these apps on smartphones are now available in Indian local languages. Family support, simple devices, local language apps, and the fundamental need to stay connected serve as enablers or solutions in such situations.
There is no denying that they miss each other, but both parents and children recognise that this change is beneficial for an individual’s future. As the saying goes, relationships are like sand. Hold it with your open hands, and the sand will remain where it is. When you close your hand and squeeze it, sand runs through your fingers. While the ageing population are less tech- savvy than others; they are unfamiliar with technology and find it difficult to use it. However, we need to keep in mind that this generation witnessed the evolution of technology from radio to black and white television, colour television, and smart televisions. They are exposed to constant technological advancements and are always prepared and tuned to adapt to the next set of technologies. This generation views such changes with optimism and embraces them. (They are ambassadors for “count your blessings”). They may not be the best users of the latest communication devices, but they are eager learners who will gradually begin to use them.
• How do age care homes in India integrate technology to enhance residents’ well-being, safety, and independence?
Some parents of children who live abroad now choose to stay in elderly care homes or community living. They understand that these communities offer a healthy space where parents live with the support of staff who will help them with cooking, cleaning and any other medical care they might require. All the residents in this community would be of a similar age group and share common interests and emotions. It is no longer a concept looked down upon as children not taking care of their parents, or in any other way. Moreover, an ageing population prefers to stay in such safe communities as they understand and appreciate the care they receive here. Currently, this is the cultural shift that India is now slowly transitioning. Although it’s a small population size, this positive response sure looks promising. However, to enhance the senior citizen residents’ well-being, guarantee their safety, and encourage independent living, aged care facilities in India use technology such as digital entertainment, emergency alarm systems, smart home features, and health monitoring devices.
• How are aged care homes in India working to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital inclusion among their residents?
Indian age care homes can bridge the digital divide by providing tech training, simple devices, support staff, and user-friendly apps in local languages to help residents connect and engage. These new-age care homes are designed for easy mobility and comfort, with amenities such as grab rails and anti-skid flooring. Moreover, residents have constant access to high-quality health care because health care workers are readily available. Additionally, an ageing population feel engaged as a result of their enriching social life, which keeps their minds active. This community encourages the ageing population to be as self- sufficient as possible, with support available when needed. For these reasons, both parents in India and children living abroad believe and consider the new concept of age care living is practical option for the family.