Hyderabad launches ‘Senior Saathi’ to foster companionship between youth and elderly
Programme designed against backdrop of rapid social change, where shifting family structures and migration have left many elderly persons with fewer opportunities for regular social interaction

The Hyderabad district administration has launched ‘Senior Saathi’ programme, a first-of-its-kind companionship initiative in Telangana aimed at strengthening inter-generational bonds and improving the emotional well-being of older adults.

The programme has been designed against the backdrop of rapid social change, where shifting family structures and migration have left many elderly persons with fewer opportunities for regular social interaction. Surveys indicate that 13.4% of seniors frequently experience loneliness and symptoms linked to depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s and dementia. Factors such as widowhood, solitary living and limited social circles often worsen this sense of isolation.

The initiative is being launched by the Department for Senior Citizen Welfare in collaboration with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) that have sizable elderly populations and Hyderabad-based NGO Youngistaan Foundation, which will train and on-board youth volunteers as ‘Saathis’. These volunteers will undergo background verification and psychometric assessments to ensure emotional stability and reliability before working with seniors.

RWAs will identify older adults who may benefit from companionship and help pair them with suitable volunteers based on location, language and shared interests. Once matched, the elder and volunteer will meet regularly during weekends at community spaces such as the Senior Saathi Club or other mutually convenient locations.