Issues faced by Senior Citizens
Survey Highlights Economic Dependence and Desire to Work among Elderly in India: A national survey carried out by the NGO HelpAge India has shown that as many as 47% of elderly people are economically dependent on their families for income and 34% are relied on pensions and cash transfers, while 40% of the surveyed people have expressed the desire to work “as long as possible”, highlighting the need to pay greater attention to social security of senior citizens in the country. |
Steps taken for betterment of Senior Citizens
Government Initiatives for Senior Citizens |
Features |
Integrated Programme of Older persons (IPOP) |
Improve elders' quality of life by providing basic needs. |
National Social Assistance Programme |
Provides social assistance to the destitute. |
National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) |
Ensures financial and food security, healthcare, shelter, and other needs of older people. |
National Programme for Healthcare of Elderly |
Addresses the healthcare needs of elderly individuals based on international commitments. |
Vayoshreshtha Samman |
Recognizes the work of the elderly in various fields. |
Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act |
Provides need-based maintenance and welfare for parents and senior citizens. |
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme |
Supports elders who are members of families below the poverty line. |
Rashtriya Vayosri Yojana |
Provides aid to elderly individuals with age-related problems like vision impairment, etc. |
PM Vaya Vandana Yojana |
Offers social security for senior citizens. |
Setting up a helpline for senior citizens/elder line |
Establishes a dedicated helpline for senior citizens. |
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana |
Provides accident insurance coverage for senior citizens. |
Atal Pension Yojana |
Offers a pension scheme for senior citizens. |
Health Insurance for Senior Citizens |
Provides health insurance coverage specifically for senior citizens. |
Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana 2017 |
Offers a pension scheme for senior citizens. |
Assisted Living Devices to Senior Citizens below Poverty Line |
Provides assisted living devices to senior citizens below the poverty line. |
Senior Citizens Welfare Fund |
A fund dedicated to the welfare and support of senior citizens. |
Conclusion: Due to existing social barriers, socially disadvantaged groups frequently lack the skills and confidence to participate in communal decision-making. As a result, it is critical to especially target underprivileged populations in order to secure their social empowerment and inclusive and sustainable development.