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.
AAvinash Peddi
July 24, 2025Jul 24, 202510 minShare:
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."
Planning Retirement in India?
Frequently Asked Questions
A:
Dr. Singh's approach after 46 years in US: 'Spend time between both countries—3-5 months in India initially. Will decide where to stay permanently based on health and travel ability later.' Key factors: US assisted living costs $7,000-25,000/month with provider shortages. India offers active senior communities at fraction of cost with better healthcare access. He chose Ashiana near Delhi (1 hour from airport) with 3-bedroom so daughter can visit.
A:
Dr. Singh, a physician, shares: 'Starts at $7,000/month, can go up to $25,000/month depending on how fancy. This doesn't guarantee everything you want due to provider shortage. Most people can't afford it—90-year-olds living alone at home because they have no choice.' He notes US has 'fantastic buildings but can't admit patients because no provider.'
A:
Dr. Singh chose Ashiana active senior community near Delhi. Features: 'Designed for active seniors who can live independently, community activities, healthcare facilities nearby, 1 hour from airport for easy travel.' He bought 3-bedroom so daughter can visit. These communities offer social engagement, security, and healthcare access at fraction of US costs.
A:
Dr. Singh's physician perspective: 'US has fantastic buildings but can't admit patients because no provider—manpower shortage.' In India: 'Healthcare has advanced significantly in last 15-20 years. More doctors available, shorter wait times, affordable costs.' He visits India regularly and sees the improvement in infrastructure, technology, and medical facilities.
A:
Dr. Singh's strategy: 'Start with 3-5 months in India initially, keep options in both countries. Chose location near airport (1 hour from Delhi) for easy travel. Bought property in active senior community for social engagement and healthcare access.' Key: Don't make permanent decision immediately—test the lifestyle first while you can still travel.
A:
Dr. Singh compares: US assisted living $7,000-25,000/month (doesn't guarantee care due to provider shortage). India active senior communities: fraction of the cost with better healthcare access. He notes: 'India's advancement in infrastructure, technology, food in last 15-20 years' makes it viable option. Having choice in both countries provides flexibility.
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