Rent-a-grandchild: Businesses offering companions to elderly grow in India

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that a small but expanding group of Indian startups is offering paid companions for older adults, reflecting changing family structures and rising demand for elder support. The story centers on S Budhiraja, an older man in Gurugram near New Delhi, whose daughters live in the United States and who now spends time with a 26-year-old “hired grandson,” Roney Raju, through one such service.

The companies provide practical and social help rather than medical care. Their workers may accompany seniors to temples, hospitals, markets or social outings, play cards, or simply keep them company. Some firms use terms such as “children for hire” or “grandchild for rent.” Al Jazeera says the trend is appearing in several Indian cities, with clients typically from urban, relatively well-off families who can afford hourly fees.

The report places the business in a broader demographic shift. India’s population is ageing quickly, and UN-backed estimates cited by the article suggest the share of people over 60 could nearly double by 2050. The story also points to evidence of loneliness among older adults, including national survey findings that a notable share of middle-aged and older Indians report moderate or severe loneliness, especially those living alone.

Company founders and workers interviewed by Al Jazeera say the work often becomes personal, though they stress boundaries and training. They describe the service as filling gaps when children live elsewhere and families want reliable help without burdening relatives or neighbours.