As life moves into its later years, what people seek most is not wealth or medicine, but closeness—someone to sit with, to listen, to share memories that span decades. Old age is a time when stories want to be told and emotions want to be understood. Yet, for many elderly individuals today, this stage is marked by isolation. Large homes fall silent, courtyards remain empty, and hopeful eyes linger on doorways that rarely see familiar faces. This is not just an individual sorrow; it reflects a deeper fracture in society.

Modern life has scattered families. The demands of work, education, and better opportunities have taken younger generations far from home—often across cities, sometimes across continents. While this movement is understandable, it has come at a cost. Emotional bonds are weakening. For some elderly parents, connection with their children is reduced to occasional phone calls or brief, formal exchanges. In some cases, even those living nearby fail to maintain regular contact. The issue is no longer just physical distance; it is an emotional gap that continues to widen.
Amid this reality, a troubling phenomenon has begun to emerge—services that provide companionship to the elderly through hired individuals, sometimes referred to as “rented children.” These companions spend time talking, walking, and engaging with seniors to ease their loneliness. On the surface, this may seem like a helpful solution. But at a deeper level, it raises uncomfortable questions. Can care and belonging be outsourced? Can emotional warmth be turned into a paid service? The very existence of such arrangements points to a serious weakening of family and social values.
It is important to acknowledge that not every situation is the same. Some families face genuine limitations, and some elderly individuals find it difficult to adapt to changing lifestyles and mindsets. However, beyond these exceptions, a broader pattern is visible—one shaped by increasing individualism and a decline in emotional responsibility.
The problem is further complicated by inequality. Such paid companionship services are accessible only to those who can afford them. Many elderly individuals, especially from middle- and lower-income backgrounds, struggle with limited financial resources, rising medical costs, and the absence of stable pensions. For them, loneliness is compounded by economic insecurity.
At the same time, society is increasingly driven by material success and consumption. Relationships are often evaluated in terms of convenience and benefit. The traditional family structure, once a strong source of emotional and social support, is gradually weakening under the pressures of ambition and time constraints. The elderly, who no longer contribute to economic productivity in the same way, are often overlooked, despite their experience and lifelong contributions.
In many developed nations, structured systems exist to support the elderly through healthcare, pensions, and organized care services. In contrast, in India, where families historically played this role, the erosion of these bonds has not been fully compensated by institutional support.
Addressing this issue requires more than sentiment—it calls for thoughtful action. Reviving family values is essential. Children must grow up with a sense of respect, gratitude, and responsibility toward their parents. Education should shape not only careers but also character and empathy.
Innovative solutions can also play a role. One such idea is to bring together elderly individuals and orphaned children in shared living spaces. This can create meaningful relationships—offering children care and guidance, and giving the elderly companionship and purpose. Such connections would be genuine, not transactional.
Additionally, there is a need for well-designed and compassionate elder care centers that go beyond basic services to provide social and emotional engagement. While private initiatives can contribute, they must remain guided by care rather than profit.
Elderly individuals themselves can also find ways to maintain well-being through social interaction, spiritual practices, and staying mentally and physically active. Learning to use digital tools can help them remain connected in a rapidly changing world.
Ultimately, the strength of a society lies not just in its economic growth, but in its humanity. If the elderly are left without dignity, care, and belonging, progress loses its meaning. The idea of “rented relationships” should serve as a wake-up call—urging us to reflect on what truly matters. A compassionate society is one where no one feels abandoned, especially in the final chapter of life.