A six-member team from the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), Southern Regional Centre, Mysuru, has been conducting a comprehensive 45-day field investigation in Madurai as part of the national project EHSAS (Exploring Healthy and Successful Ageing in Smart India).
The initiative, commissioned by the AnSI under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, aims to explore the changing dimensions of ageing across selected Smart Cities in the country.
The study examines how rapid urbanisation, changing lifestyles, widespread digitalisation and modern urban infrastructure influence the quality of life and well-being of older adults.
The research team, comprising Narayan Rao Bonthu, Anup K. Raj, Narasimhan, Maitrayee Mitra and Chandrasekhar Upadhyay, has been visiting various wards and localities across Madurai. The team has also partnered with The American College under the AnSI internship programme to foster local academic collaboration.
During their fieldwork, the researchers have been interacting with elderly residents and visiting local markets, healthcare institutions and public offices. The study covers access to medical and civic facilities, changes in dietary habits, social interactions, psychological well-being and everyday challenges faced by senior citizens across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Given Madurai’s rich historical identity, anchored by the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple and its deep-rooted traditions, the research also explores how the intersection of ancient heritage and contemporary urban growth affects the city’s ageing population.
The findings of the Madurai study are expected to offer insights into elderly care and urban dynamics and help shape future age-friendly urban planning and public welfare policies in India’s transforming cities, the scientists said.
Published – September 23, 2026 08:29 pm IST
