Navigating elder care in the Millennium city

Gurgaon is a city of paradoxes. It is home to some of the finest medical infrastructure in India, with world class institutions like Medanta, Max, Fortis and Artemis dotting the skyline. Yet, for the seniors living in its high-rise apartments it feels like a lonely challenging fortress.

As a physician practicing here, I see a distinct pattern in the patients who walk through my doors. They are not just battling diabetes or hypertension, they are battling an ecosystem of  fast paced urban sprawl.

If you are caring for aging parents in Gurgaon, whether you live with them or are managing their care from abroad, here is my medical and practical perspective on how to build a safety net that works.

The urban challenge of vertical cities

Unlike traditional neighbourhoods where seniors sat on verandahs and chatted with neighbours, Gurgaon’s vertical living creates silos.

1. Nuclear families: Majority of seniors live alone while children work long corporate hours or live overseas.

2. Mobility constraints: The lack of pedestrian friendly sidewalks or even driveable roads forces seniors indoors, leading to muscle atrophy and Vitamin D deficiency.

3. Environmental stresses: The seasonal pollution spikes (AQI) hit geriatric lungs the hardest.

C.A.R.E. Protocol for families and elders living in Gurgaon

When families ask me, "how do I ensure they are okay?" I suggest this four-point framework:

1. C - Clinical consolidation

In an emergency, every second counts and Gurgaon traffic is unpredictable.

• The "one file" rule: Maintain a single physical file (and a digital scan) with their latest medical reports, prescription list, emergency contact details, aadhar ID photocopy and insurance details.

• Hospital mapping: It's not enough to know the nearest hospital, family members or care takers should know the nearest hospital that treats their specific condition (e.g., cardiac, cancer, stroke etc).

• Home monitoring: Every senior household should have a reliable BP monitor, a pulse oximeter and a glucometer. Teach your domestic help how to use them.

2. A - Air & activity

The air quality in Gurgaon is a legitimate medical concern for seniors, specially in winters.

• The purifier mandate: Treat an air purifier like a medical device and not a luxury. It is essential for seniors with COPD or asthma during winter months.

• Safe movement: Since sidewalks are scarce and air quality is bad, prioritise memberships to local clubs or well maintained community parks. Sedentary life is the enemy.

3. R - Resources & response team

Ask yourself who will answer the phone at 2 AM?

• Emergency contacts: Post a list of emergency numbers (ambulance, main gate security, a responsible neighbour) in large font on the fridge.

• Tech enablement: Equip them with a simple smartwatch that has fall detection. I have seen this technology save lives by alerting family members instantly after a bathroom slip.

4. E - Emotional health (The silent epidemic)

Depression in seniors often manifests as psychosomatic pain (unexplained backaches, tiredness, neck pain, headaches etc).

• Combat isolation: Video calls are good, but face time with real people is better. Encourage participation in local senior clubs (like Aamra) where they interact with peers and not just family or domestic help.

• Purpose: Seniors need to feel useful. Whether it's gardening or mentoring, help them find a daily purpose.

Role of a care manager

If you are a son or daughter living abroad, the guilt can be overwhelming. But please understand: You cannot manage care via WhatsApp alone. You need a proxy. This could be a trusted neighbour, a professional care manager or a community service. You need eyes on the ground to notice the small changes like a slight limp, the empty fridge, the confusion with medication, that a phone call won't reveal.

Final thoughts

Elder care is not just about managing decline, it is about enabling a vibrant second act. We have the hospitals to save lives, but it takes a community to make those lives worth living.

Don't wait for a crisis to build your support system. Start today.

Dr. Akanksha Saxena is the founder of The Aamra Seniors Club, dedicated to the holistic wellness of seniors in Gurgaon.