Section Article

Elderly Isolation in High-Rise Societies: A Study of Delhi-NCR
Author(s): Amit Rawat

Abstract
Urbanization in India has led to significant changes in residential architecture social interaction and community life. One of the most visible shifts is the rise of gated high-rise societies particularly in metropolitan regions like Delhi-NCR. While these societies are designed to offer security convenience and modern infrastructure they also inadvertently foster social fragmentation. This paper examines the phenomenon of elderly isolation within high-rise residential communities in the Delhi-NCR region. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork interviews and secondary data the study explores how spatial design changing family structures intergenerational migration and digital disconnection contribute to the loneliness and social exclusion of older adults. The findings reveal that high-rise societies despite their physical proximity among residents often lack organic social cohesion particularly for senior citizens who find themselves increasingly alienated from both family and neighborhood networks. The paper argues that addressing elderly isolation requires a reimagining of urban design community engagement and elder-specific policy interventions that move beyond physical infrastructure to prioritize social connectedness.