Podcast
After 46 Years in US, Why This Doctor Chose India for Retirement
Dr. Singh went to US at 19, spent 46 years there as a physician. Now planning retirement in India with active senior community. He compares US assisted living ($7,000-25,000/month) with India options and explains why having choice in both countries matters.
In this story
Retirement Planning • Last Updated: November 30, 2025
After 46 Years in US, Why This Doctor Chose India for Retirement
Dr. Singh, an anesthesiologist who went to US at 19, explains why he's choosing an active senior community in India for retirement—and the shocking cost of US assisted living.
Dr. Singh's Background
- Origin: Village near Varanasi, UP
- Moved to US: Age 19 (1979), when father moved
- Education: Bachelor's + Medical degree from University of South Carolina
- Specialty: Anesthesiology (pediatric + heart surgery)
- Practice: 33 years
- Family in US: 50-60 family members, daughter (30, data scientist)
Why India Despite 46 Years in US?
- Village connection: "Things don't change much—everyone knows who I am"
- First visit after 7 years, then 6 years—but always felt connected
- Curiosity: Hadn't seen rest of India growing up
- Last 15-20 years: India's advancement in infrastructure, technology, food
US Healthcare Reality
⚠️ The Manpower Crisis
"We have fantastic buildings, fantastic rooms, but many times we cannot admit a patient simply because there is no provider."
Assisted Living Costs
- Starting: $7,000/month
- High end: Up to $25,000/month
- Reality: Most people can't afford it
- Result: 90-year-old ladies living alone at home
Why Active Senior Community in India
Ashiana (Near Delhi)
- Location: 1 hour from Delhi airport
- Size: 17-18 acres, gated, security
- Amenities: Cafeteria, drivers, cooks, laundry, tailors
- Community: Same age group, similar mindset
- Unit: 3-bedroom (designated room for daughter)
The Plan
- Initial: 3-5 months in India, rest in US
- As health allows: Back and forth
- Later: Decide where to stay based on health
- Key: "Having option of choosing there and here"
Daughter's Support
Daughter is supportive because she saw how Dr. Singh's parents lived and passed away in US. She understands:
- She has her own family and demanding job
- Can't be there all the time for parents
- Location near Delhi airport = easy visits
"It's a practical issue. If you don't plan, you do end up being alone—whether American-born or Indian-born."
