look news india
Every retired person dreams of living his second innings with peace, health and spirituality, free from the hustle and bustle of life, corporate deadlines and suffocating pollution of big metros. Saying goodbye to the concrete world of metros like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata, senior citizens of the country are now turning to the picturesque valleys of Uttarakhand. The region of Dehradun and Haridwar, in particular, has carved a niche for itself as one of the fastest growing ‘senior living’ and retirement communities in India. On one hand, the lush green valleys, pleasant weather and peaceful lifestyle of Dehradun are attracting people, while on the other hand, the holy banks of Mother Ganga in Haridwar, the echo of regular aarti and the spiritual atmosphere are providing mental satisfaction to the elderly.
According to real estate experts, there has been a major qualitative change in the trends related to housing for senior citizens in the last few years. Now senior citizens do not just want a walled house, but they are looking for a self-reliant and safe ecosystem, where they can get 24-hour medical assistance, respectful co-living, balanced eating habits and mental peace. The construction of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and better rail and air connectivity have further accelerated this trend, due to which the country’s renowned real estate developers are building exclusive senior living townships in this belt.
Deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) in metros, hours-long traffic jams on roads and the social crisis of loneliness are the biggest factors attracting the elderly to these quiet cities. Both Dehradun and Haridwar fit perfectly into the preferences of senior citizens due to their distinct geographical and cultural characteristics.
Dehradun’s pleasant climate throughout the year and the climate surrounded by Shivalik hills act as a natural remedy for the elderly suffering from respiratory and joint problems. At the same time, for people having religious and spiritual inclination, Haridwar gives a deep inner satisfaction at the golden stage of life. Morning and evening meditation, bhajan-kirtan and company of saints on the banks of Ganga keeps the elderly away from mental stress and loneliness. Apart from this, as the distance from Delhi to Dehradun and Haridwar has been reduced to just 2.5 to 3 hours through the new expressway, it has become very easy to meet children and relatives.
Breaking the negative image of traditional old age homes, new age senior living projects offer a unique blend of modernity and comfort. These complexes are specially designed keeping in mind the physical needs and safety of senior citizens:
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Age-Friendly Architecture: Anti-skid tiles, wheelchair ramps, wide doors, grab bars on elevators and stairs are installed throughout the campus.
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Emergency Protection System: Every room, especially the bathroom and the bed, has a ‘panic button’ or emergency calling system, once pressed, paramedical staff reaches for help within 60 seconds.
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24×7 Medical Support and On-Call Doctors: There is a dispensary, physiotherapy centre, regular health check-up and 24×7 ambulance facility within the premises. These townships have direct tie-ups with top medical institutions like AIIMS Rishikesh (AIIMS) in Rishikesh, Max in Dehradun and Himalayan Hospital in Jollygrant for critical emergencies.
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Active Social Life: Club houses, yoga and meditation halls, indoor games, libraries, gardening zones and regular cultural programs are arranged to protect the elderly from depression and boredom.
Senior living projects in this belt of Uttarakhand mainly operate on two models—’outright purchase’ and ‘long term lease/rental model’.
The starting prices of 1BHK and 2BHK senior-friendly apartments around Rajpur Road, Sahastradhara, Clement Town and Haridwar Bypass in Dehradun range from around Rs 45 lakh to Rs 95 lakh, depending on the branding and luxury amenities of the project. In Haridwar, such flats near Ganga Canal and Jwalapur-Roorkee Road are available in the budget of Rs 35 lakh to Rs 70 lakh.
Additionally, monthly maintenance charges ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 35,000 per person or per couple are charged for services like mess service, housekeeping, 24-hour security and medical care. Many senior citizens, who do not want to sell their house in their native city, are preferring to live here on rent or lease model, which keeps their capital safe and adds new peace to their life.
There is often doubt among the residents of other states about buying land or flat in Uttarakhand. As per the state’s land laws, there is a strict limit of 250 square meters (about 2,700 square feet) for non-Uttarakhand citizens to purchase agricultural or rural land.
However, when it comes to multi-storey apartments or townships built by RERA registered builders, this limit does not apply. Any citizen of the country can freely purchase a flat, villa or apartment of any size in his/her name legally within the limits of Municipal Corporation or Development Authority (like MDDA and HRDA). Buyers are advised to ensure that before booking any senior living project, the project is approved by Uttarakhand RERA (UK-RERA) and has clear written Service Level Agreement.
The emergence of Dehradun and Haridwar as senior living hubs is not just a real estate trend, but a sensitive and progressive reflection of the changing Indian social fabric. Due to nuclear family culture and children’s careers abroad or in other cities, elderly people living alone are now giving priority to self-reliance and social interaction instead of helplessness.
This confluence of fresh air in the lap of mountains, meditation in the holy company of Ganga and laughter with age mates is increasing both the life expectancy and quality of life of senior citizens. Dehradun and Haridwar have today become the most suitable and favorite addresses in the country to spend the evening of your life in a stress-free, safe and dignified manner.