Digital E-Commerce as a Lifeline for Independent Ageing: A Study of Older Adults Living Alone in Nuclear Families in New Town, Kolkata

Authors

Mr. Mofikul Islam

Assistant Professor, Department of Business Administration Aligarh Muslim University Centre Murshidabad, West Bengal (India)

Article Information

DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS.2026.11080084

Subject Category: Business

Volume/Issue: 11/8 | Page No: 1146-1165

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-08-20

Accepted: 2026-08-25

Published: 2026-09-08

Abstract

Population ageing, rapid urbanisation, changing family structures, and the increasing geographical separation of adult children are reshaping the way older people experience later life in contemporary India. Although the traditional joint-family system has historically played an important role in providing day-to-day support to older family members, the growing prevalence of nuclear families has created new challenges for older adults who may not have regular physical assistance from their children or other relatives. At the same time, the expansion of digital technologies and e-commerce services has created new possibilities for supporting independent living.

Keywords

ageing in place, older adults, elderly consumers, e-commerce

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