Senior Citizens

• Senior citizens in India refer to individuals who are aged 60 years or above.  
• According to the 2011 Census of India, there were approximately 104 million senior citizens in the country. 
• This number is expected to increase significantly in the upcoming years with a rise in the life expectancy to 65 years from 42 years in 1960. 

Issues faced by Senior Citizens 

Despite the measures taken by the government and NGOs, senior citizens in India still face several challenges, including: 

• Financial insecurity: Many senior citizens in India live on a fixed income and struggle to make ends meet due to rising costs of living, lack of financial support from family members, and limited job opportunities.

• Health issues: As people age, they are more likely to develop chronic health conditions that require ongoing medical care. However, many senior citizens in India do not have access to quality health care services, particularly in rural areas. 

• Social isolation: Senior citizens may experience loneliness and social isolation due to changes in family structure, loss of friends, and physical limitations that prevent them from participating in social activities. 

• Elder abuse: Senior citizens in India may face abuse, neglect, or exploitation by family members, caregivers, or strangers. 

• Digital divide: Many senior citizens in India are not familiar with digital technology and may struggle to access information, services, and social connections that are increasingly available online. 

• Ageism: Senior citizens in India may experience discrimination based on their age, including in the workplace, healthcare system, and social interactions. 

Addressing these challenges will require a multi-faceted approach that includes policies to provide financial support and access to healthcare, efforts to promote social inclusion and combat elder abuse, and initiatives to bridge the digital divide and address ageism. 

Initiatives by GOI 

The government of India has several policies and programs in place to address the needs and welfare of senior citizens, including: 

• Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007: This act provides for the protection of the life and property of senior citizens and provides a legal framework for the maintenance of parents and senior citizens by their children or relatives. 
• National Programme for Health Care of Elderly: This program aims to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality health care services to senior citizens. 
• Integrated Programme for Older Persons: This program provides financial assistance to senior citizens for their maintenance and well-being. 
• Annapurna Scheme: This scheme provides food security to senior citizens who are unable to fend for themselves. 
• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme: This scheme provides financial assistance to senior citizens who are below the poverty line. 
• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana: This scheme provides senior citizens with free assisted-living devices, such as hearing aids and walking sticks. 
• Senior Citizen Savings Scheme: This scheme provides senior citizens with a safe and secure investment option with an attractive rate of interest. 

In addition to these policies, the government has also established a National Council for Older Persons to advise on policy matters related to the welfare of senior citizens, and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has set up a helpline for senior citizens to report abuse or seek assistance. Several non-governmental organizations also work towards the welfare of senior citizens in India.