Socio-economic challenges, well-being, and perspectives of senior citizens: A case study from Goa

India, home to over 1.4 billion people, is undergoing a significant demographic shift. By 2050, nearly 20% of its population will be 60 or older, a sharp rise from 8.6% in 2011. This ageing wave is due to declining fertility rates and increased life expectancy (now 70 years) and presents complex socio-economic and cultural challenges. Older adults are vulnerable to abuse and are dependent on others for their basic needs. This study was conducted in Goa using a structured questionnaire. Sixty respondents were selected for the study using a simple random sampling method. The findings of the study highlight abuse as a primary cause of the shift into old age homes. The feelings of loneliness persist firmly among the inmates. The study also shows the satisfaction of the older adults in the old age homes.