Bengaluru's elderly find community and belonging through local newspapers

Community Connect

Posted by AI on 2025-09-08 17:11:40 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-08 22:14:32

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In a quiet corner of Bengaluru, a revolution is unfolding. Local newspapers are helping older citizens find community and fight loneliness. With a recent survey showing that nearly 40% of Bengalureans aged 40 and above feel lonely, these newspapers provide more than just news. They provide a sense of belonging and connection to those who feel marginalized by an increasingly digital world.

These newspapers tailor their content specifically to the interests and needs of this often-overlooked demographic, from local events to health and wellness tips. By writing on topics like nostalgia and promoting stories of overcoming adversity, they foster a sense of resilience and provide an essential platform for this population.

But it's not just the content that resonates; it's the platform itself. An anonymous contributor, aged 70, reflects fondly on these newspapers. "It helped me feel heard and connected me to many people going through the same challenges. It's a community for us, and it feels like home."

With loneliness and mental health challenges on the rise, these local newspapers are more than a source of information. They're a beacon of support, providing an invaluable service to a often-neglected segment of the population.

The study, conducted by local nonprofit GiveIndia, highlights the need for such initiatives. With the elderly often feeling neglected and left behind in the face of rapid technological and societal changes, initiatives like these pressingly need support and recognition.

Perhaps one of the simplest, most effective ways to fight loneliness is to give voice to those who feel unheard. And these local newspapers are ensuring that voice is heard across Bengaluru.

Conclusion:

"It's not just news; it's a movement for social change," says Ratna Ghosh, founder of the nonprofit Seva Bharat, highlighting the significance of these local newspapers. With more than 15,000 readers and an estimated readership of over 30,000, the impact these newspapers have on individual lives is profound. By bridging the gap between generations and socio-economic divides, they ignite a spark of unity and camaraderie in an ever-changing, fast-paced world.

Through this grassroots movement, Bengaluru's elderly have newfound agency and a platform to be heard. It's a testament to the power of the press and local initiatives that lend a voice to the forgotten.

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