15 Indian women answer the question, "Who will look after you in your old age?"

“The goal is not just to lead a long life, but a fulfilling one”

When my husband and I announced our intention to remain child-free, we were inundated with advice from everyone and their nani. Comments ranged from “You will regret it later”, to “Who will you leave your money to?” and “Tumhare budhape ka sahara kaun banega?” (Who will support you in old age?). TBH, it wasn’t entirely unexpected.

Graduate. Get a job. Marry. Have kids. Most people follow this life checklist without question. However, a growing number of couples in India, like us, are now giving this traditional kahani a twist. According to a 2024 report by independent marketing firm Gitnux, the number of DINK (double income, no kids) couples in India is increasing by 30% each year. This shift is reflected in India’s declining fertility rate, which dropped from nearly 6.2 in 1950 to just under 2 in 2021, and is projected to fall further to 1.29 by 2050, according to research reportedly published in The Lancet.

Couples who choose to be child-free have their reasons. However, this decision has ramifications. Issues like loneliness in old age and the practical challenges of dealing with declining health alone are real concerns.

“But as their numbers grow, the choice to remain child-free is gaining more acceptance and understanding. And, like couples with kids, DINKs too are finding new ways to connect with their partners and communities, learn conflict management tools, plan for their future financially, and enjoy their lives,” says psychologist Vandana Sinha.

We asked 15 women across India how they planned their retirement after deciding to remain child-free. Here’s what they had to say.

Plan your finances ahead

Kids or no kids, retirement planning is overwhelming. However, instead of viewing it as a daunting task, consider it the ultimate game of strategy—except instead of conquering lands in Age of Empires, you’re strategising for your future. There are numerous approaches to achieving your version of success in the game of life.

“Create a diversified portfolio with both high- and low-risk investments. Ours includes fixed deposits, SIPs, mutual funds, shares and even insurance to ensure we have enough to maintain our lifestyle in retirement,” says Udita Shah, 45, a media professional based in Noida.

Anju Sharma, 50, a Pune-based lawyer, has set up a trust fund for long-term care and allocated money specifically for it. It will cover expenses after she and her husband retire.

While no one wants to think about it, one partner will likely outlive the other. In such a scenario, income typically decreases, tax liabilities increase, and expenses either remain the same or rise. “So, we sat with our investment advisor and crunched the numbers to identify income and investment gaps. We have now started putting aside money to cover the difference,” says Dr Hyacinth D’Souza, 45, a dentist based in Kolkata.

Long-term care insurance is a particularly smart bet for child-free couples, but policies can be costly, especially for couples in their mid-50s. Delhi-based homemaker Simran Khan, 54, suggests buying coverage at a younger age to secure lower premiums. “I know having this policy in place is prudent,” she says.

Budget separately for travel, indulgences and personal hobbies. “The goal is not just to lead a long life, but a fulfilling one. This fund will allow my husband and I to travel often once we retire,” says Karuna Srivastava, 44, a Lucknow-based marketing professional.

Stay on the health track

Become the superhero of your own life story by embracing healthy habits like a cape — flying towards a future where you’re in control.

“We’ve already started investing in our future by eating nutritious food, staying active with daily walks and jogs, and focusing on resistance training,” says Vidya Kamath, 47, a homemaker based in Mangalore.

Archana Jha, 59, a teacher based in Ghaziabad, stays on schedule with regular medical checkups as many illnesses are much easier to treat when caught early, and screening can prevent others from creeping up on you.

Have a designated emergency contact. “We plan to rope in our nephew. But this person could be a close friend, a neighbour or a family member who lives nearby. Ensure they are aware of their role and have all the necessary information to assist you in case of an emergency,” shares Iman Sikdar, 56, a banker from Guwahati.

Designate a power of attorney for health care. This person will make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Garima Sinha, 42, a lawyer based in Lucknow, stresses choosing someone you trust implicitly since you will be communicating your wishes regarding medical care, living arrangements and any other critical decisions.

Form meaningful connections

Having a strong support system isn’t just about having someone to lean on during tough times—it could just be about having someone to discuss cricket or share a good laugh over the Indian election results.

“Ours includes friends, family, neighbours, colleagues and even professional advisors like doctors and lawyers. This strong network provides us with practical help, emotional support and companionship,” says Vasudha Iyer, 48, who works in tech in Bengaluru.

Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to the community and meet new people with shared values. Whether helping at the local dog shelter or participating in a beach cleanup (like this couple cleaning up Mumbai’s Mahim beach), volunteering has given Tanaya Kulkarni, 60, a retired teacher based in Mumbai, a sense of purpose and belonging.

According to Renuka Chatterjee, a 54-year-old homemaker in Kolkata, other social activities can include joining a local book club. “It has been a great way for us to meet new people and stay active. It has led to deep friendships and provided us with a strong sense of community that we will keep even in the future.” (Check out the Tweak Book Club)

Tackle daily affairs

Nailing logistics in advance is crucial for someone who is a planner. But even if you’re more of a chiller, having everything sorted ensures that your golden years are all about kicking back with piña coladas and basking in stunning sunsets, instead of stressing over the daily grind of well-being.

Take advantage of technology to streamline your financial and medical records. Many financial planning firms offer client portals where you can securely store essential documents, such as medical records, wills and powers of attorney. “We will inform our emergency contact where these documents are kept, ensuring that critical information is available when needed,” says Richa Shah, 41, an investment advisor from Ahmedabad.

Opt for living arrangements that provide social opportunities, such as gated communities with regular gatherings or living close to friends or like-minded couples. “It will allow you to engage with others and make lasting connections,” says Lavinia Pinto, 50, an advertising professional who moved to Goa with her husband to live close to child-free friends.

That’s why, just like Rohit Sharma in the viral mutual funds ad, my husband and I have already begun taking sahi hai steps for our dream retirement. While our extended family still hopes that we might suddenly crave diaper duty, we’re busy building a financial corpus to fund our travels, cover everyday expenses and handle medical emergencies. We’re also thoroughly enjoying our current life without the pitter-patter of little feet—unless you count our cats.