The research, part of the national Exploring Healthy and Successful Ageing in Smart India (EHSAS) programme commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, will span the city’s diverse wards and localities over the next month and a half.
Team members Narayan Rao Bonthu, Anup K. Raj, Narasimhan, Maitrayee Mitra and Chandrasekhar Upadhyay are conducting on‑the‑ground interviews with senior residents, visiting markets, healthcare facilities and public offices to map access to medical and civic services.
The investigators are also tracking changes in dietary habits, social interaction patterns, and psychological well‑being, aiming to capture the everyday challenges faced by seniors across different socioeconomic backgrounds.
In partnership with The American College under the AnSI internship programme, the team is fostering local academic collaboration, allowing students to assist with data collection and community outreach.
Madurai’s historic backdrop, anchored by the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, adds a cultural dimension to the study as researchers explore how the city’s ancient heritage intersects with contemporary urban growth for its ageing population.
Findings from the Madurai fieldwork are expected to inform age‑friendly urban planning and public‑welfare policies, offering evidence‑based recommendations for other Smart Cities undergoing similar transformations.