BUSINESS

Aging Gracefully: How Palava’s Seniors Are Redefining Community Living

editor 3 months ago 2 min read

On World Senior Citizens’ Day, residents of Palava City show how thoughtful design and strong community bonds can transform aging in India.

As Mumbai prepares to mark World Senior Citizens’ Day on August 21, the city’s challenges for the elderly remain stark. Shrinking footpaths, unsafe and overcrowded public transport, and the absence of elder-friendly spaces often force seniors indoors, leaving them isolated in a city that should nurture them.

Yet, just beyond Mumbai’s city limits, a different story is unfolding. Palava, a planned township developed by Lodha, is home to a thriving community of over 700 senior citizens who are proving that aging can be vibrant, fulfilling, and deeply connected.

At the heart of this transformation is the Senior Citizens’ Foundation Palava, established in 2015. Supported by thoughtful infrastructure and community-led initiatives, it offers seniors not only safety and convenience but also a renewed sense of purpose. From dedicated spaces for events to weekend movie screenings, birthday celebrations, and creative platforms at annual carnivals, the foundation ensures that senior living here is active and inclusive. Regular transport for city-level meets and support for cultural, educational, and social projects further enrich the experience.

The residents themselves bring this community to life. Dr. N. Purushothaman, who moved to Palava in 2019, highlights how clean air, shaded sidewalks, gyms, and pools support his health and wellbeing. “I can take peaceful morning walks without traffic worries, and the township’s medical facilities give me a strong sense of security,” he says.

Bipin “Guruji” Purohit, a resident since 2015, chose Palava over his ancestral home for its warmth and camaraderie. During the pandemic, he taught music online to more than 200 seniors, earning the Swar Sadhana certificate from the Maharashtra Hindi Sahitya Academy. “Palava provides a platform not just for cultural expression but for building real bonds that feel like family,” he reflects.

For Naresh Kumar, one of the foundation’s earliest members, staying back even after his family relocated abroad was an easy choice. “What began as small gatherings has grown into a strong, organised network that keeps us engaged through plantation drives, cultural evenings, and learning programmes,” he says.

In a country where urban design often sidelines its elderly, Palava offers a blueprint for what aging could look like — safe, active, and community-driven. On this World Senior Citizens’ Day, the voices of its residents remind us that the golden years need not be about retreat, but about rediscovery.