Source: PIB
Context:
India is experiencing a rapid demographic transition, with the population of elderly (60 years and above) expected to more than double from 100 million in 2011 to 230 million by 2036. This demographic shift is creating new socio-economic challenges and opportunities, including the emergence of a ‘silver economy’ driven by goods and services catering to older adults.
Key Highlights:
- Population Trends:
- Elderly population projected to reach 230 million by 2036 (~15% of total population).
- Southern states (Kerala, Tamil Nadu), Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab have higher elderly populations; Kerala expected to have 23% elderly population by 2036.
- Northern and eastern states, e.g., Uttar Pradesh, will see rapid growth from 7% (2011) to 12% (2036).
- LASI 2021 reports 12% of India’s population is elderly; women account for 58%, with 54% widows. Elderly dependency ratio: 62 dependents per 100 working-age individuals.
- Challenges Faced by Elderly:
- Health: Rise in age-related diseases, dementia, limited geriatric infrastructure, urban-rural disparities.
- Economic: Insufficient social security, rising living and medical costs, limited financial resources.
- Social: Weakening family support, social isolation, neglect.
- Digital Divide: Low adoption of technology, limited digital literacy.
- Infrastructure: Lack of elderly-friendly public spaces, transport, emergency systems.
Government Initiatives for Elderly in India
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE)
MoSJE coordinates with Finance, Health & Family Welfare, Ayush, State Governments, NGOs, civil society, and private sector stakeholders to ensure comprehensive welfare programs for senior citizens. Key initiatives include:
1. Financial Security & Pension Schemes
- Atal Pension Yojana (APY):
- Launched: May 9, 2015.
- Target: Citizens 18–40 years (excluding income-tax payers from Oct 2022).
- Benefits: Monthly pension INR 1,000–5,000 after age 60; same for spouse; nominee gets accumulated wealth.
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS):
- Part of NSAP; targets citizens 60+ below poverty line.
- Pension: INR 200 (up to 79 years), INR 500 (80+).
2. Healthcare & Geriatric Support
- National Programme for Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE):
- Launched: 2010–11.
- Provides comprehensive healthcare at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels across 713 districts.
- Services: Geriatric OPD, 10-bed geriatric wards, physiotherapy, labs.
- Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY:
- Healthcare coverage up to ₹5 lakh/year for secondary and tertiary care.
- Expansion: 6 crore senior citizens aged 70+ (Oct 2024); 40 lakh enrolled by Jan 2025.
- Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY):
- Launched: April 1, 2017.
- Provides assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers, hearing aids, dentures) to BPL/low-income seniors.
- Devices delivered via camps; doorstep delivery for 80+ seniors.
3. Social Inclusion & Empowerment
- Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY):
- Promotes well-being, social inclusion, and active participation of senior citizens.
- Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC):
- Grants to state/UT agencies, NGOs, youth organizations for:
- Senior homes, continuous care, mobile medicare, physiotherapy clinics, training centers.
- Operational Homes: 696; 84 new homes approved for FY 2025–26.
- Grants to state/UT agencies, NGOs, youth organizations for:
- Senior Citizens Welfare Fund (SCWF):
- Established: Finance Act 2015.
- Funded by unclaimed provident and insurance funds; managed by MoSJE.
4. Digital & Technology Initiatives
- Elderly Helpline (14567): Toll-free support, launched Oct 1, 2021.
- SAGE Portal: Supports start-ups providing elderly care solutions; equity support up to ₹1 crore.
- SACRED Portal: Connects citizens 60+ with job opportunities.
- Telemedicine & e-Sanjeevani: Remote consultations, chronic disease management, mental health support.
5. Capacity Building
- Geriatric Caregivers Training:
- Conducted via National Institute of Social Defence.
- FY 2023–24: 32 institutes trained 36,785 caregivers.
6. Legal Framework & Family Support
- Maintenance and Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007 (Amended 2019):
- Obligates children/guardians to provide maintenance.
- Expanded definitions: step-children, adoptive children, children-in-law, legal guardians; parents now include in-laws and grandparents.
- Removed INR 10,000 maintenance ceiling; Tribunals determine appropriate amounts.
- Introduced:
- Homecare services for disabled seniors.
- Special Police Units and Nodal Officers for senior safety.
- Dedicated hospital queues, beds, and geriatric care.
- Mandates seniors live a “life of dignity” rather than just a “normal life.”
7. Digital Initiatives & Technology Integration:
- SAGE Portal: Supports elderly care start-ups.
- SACRED Portal: Job opportunities for citizens 60+.
- Elderly Helpline 14567 and Senior Citizens Welfare Portal for services and guidance.
- Telemedicine & e-Sanjeevani: Remote consultations, chronic disease management, mental health support.
8. Legal Framework & Family Support:
- Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 (amended 2019):
- Obligates children/guardians to provide maintenance; removes ₹10,000 ceiling.
- Mandates nodal officers, special police units, homecare services, and hospital prioritization.
9. Housing & Intergenerational Initiatives:
- Retirement Homes Guidelines 2019: Promotes age-friendly housing.
- NAITIK PATAM Game: Encourages moral education and inter-generational bonding.
