On India’s 80th Independence Day, Samarth Life highlights how older adults are redefining independence, not by doing everything alone, but by having the right support to continue living life on their own terms.
NEW DELHI | August 12, 2026 – When 72-year-old Mr. Sharma, a retired public sector engineer, wanted to visit friends in another city, he realised the biggest obstacle wasn’t his health, it was fear. Fear of arranging travel through apps, fear of scams, fear of a health emergency happening in a different city, and fear of causing added stress, for his daughter living in Canada.
Rather than depending on his family to manage life from thousands of kilometres away, he chose to put reliable local support in place. Today, he continues to live independently in his own home, travels with confidence, and knows that someone trustworthy is available whenever needed.
His story reflects a broader shift that Samarth Life has observed over nearly a decade of supporting older adults and their families across India.
As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, Samarth believes it is time to broaden the meaning of freedom. For many older adults, freedom is no longer defined by retirement or financial independence alone. It is the confidence to continue making one’s own choices, pursuing one’s interests, remaining connected with friends and community, and living safely and independently in one’s own home.
A New Chapter of Independence
Traditionally, ageing in India has been associated with increasing dependence on children and family members. While family remains central to Indian life, changing demographics, smaller households and geographic mobility mean that many families now live apart.
Publicly available demographic studies, including the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), indicate that nearly 27% of urban older adults live independently of their children, either alone, with their spouse, or in other living arrangements. As this trend continues, the question is no longer whether seniors can remain independent, but how they can do so with confidence and dignity.
“Over the last decade, we’ve seen something inspiring. Older adults don’t want to become dependent, they aspire to remain independent. They want to continue travelling, pursuing hobbies, meeting friends and living confidently in their own homes. What they need is dependable support behind the scenes so everyday responsibilities and unexpected situations don’t limit their freedom. This Independence Day, we celebrate that spirit of ‘Freedom After 65’, because growing older should never mean giving up the freedom to live life on your own terms”, says Asheesh Gupta, Founder & CEO, Samarth Life
Drawing on its experience of supporting families across India since 2016, Samarth has observed that today’s seniors are not looking for someone to take over their lives. Instead, they seek dependable support that enables them to remain independent for longer.
What Independence After 65 Really Means
Based on years of working alongside older adults and their families, Samarth believes independence is built on four essential freedoms:
Freedom from Everyday Hassles
Managing paperwork, bills, repairs, appointments and household coordination can become increasingly demanding. Reliable local support allows seniors to focus on the activities that bring them joy.
Freedom from Health Anxiety
Preventive health coordination, organised medical records and preparedness for emergencies provide confidence to continue living independently.
Freedom from Social Isolation
An active social life, meaningful relationships and opportunities to engage with peers contribute significantly to emotional wellbeing and healthy ageing.
Freedom from Burdening Family
Many seniors value knowing they can manage day-to-day life without relying on their children for every practical need. At the same time, families gain reassurance that trusted support is available whenever required.
Supporting Independence, Not Replacing Families
Professional life management assistance is not a substitute for family, it is an extension of the family’s support system. By combining personalised care coordination, preventive health management, emergency preparedness and day-to-day assistance, organisations such as Samarth help older adults remain in control of their own lives while giving families peace of mind.
About Samarth Life
Founded in 2016, Samarth enables older adults to age with dignity and independence in their own homes. Through personalised care management, preventive healthcare coordination, emergency response, lifestyle assistance and community engagement, Samarth partners with families across India to help seniors lead safer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.
