Healthcare shock, retirement uncertainty: Why Kolkata residents are losing sleep?

Kolkata stands out with an Index of 85—higher than both the national and East Zone averages—placing it among the more anxious urban centres in the country. The city’s heightened uncertainty stems from a mix of safety concerns, rising healthcare expenses, and doubts about long-term financial readiness. Fear of increasing crime ranks as the top concern, followed by growing worries about healthcare costs and inadequate retirement planning.

Residents also report anxiety about inflation eroding savings, the escalating cost of elderly care, uncertainty about achieving financial independence in old age, and their ability to manage emergencies such as job loss or critical illness. Mental health concerns and challenges in building long-term wealth further add to the city’s layered uncertainty profile.

Demographic patterns reveal broad uniformity, with uncertainty levels remaining consistent across genders, age groups, and professions—suggesting that these anxieties are widely shared. Married individuals with children report slightly higher levels of concern, reflecting greater family responsibilities. From a socio-economic perspective, SEC B records marginally higher anxiety, though elevated uncertainty is evident across all segments.

Insurance and investment ownership show a non-linear relationship with uncertainty. Individuals with limited coverage—such as holding only one insurance policy—report higher anxiety levels (Index 91), while broader and more comprehensive coverage appears to alleviate concerns. This underscores the stabilising role of well-rounded financial protection.

Overall, Kolkata reflects the broader national narrative, where safety risks, healthcare affordability, and long-term financial preparedness remain central to people’s sense of stability. As living costs rise and responsibilities extend across life stages, holistic financial planning—balancing protection, savings, and retirement readiness—emerges as a critical pathway to building future confidence.