15/09/2022 - Society

KEY POINTS

·        The share of the elderly (persons aged 60 years and above) in India’s population, close to 9% in 2011, is growing fast and may reach 18% by 2036 according to the National Commission on Population.

·        Among persons aged 60 and above, 30% to 50% (depending on gender and age group) had symptoms that make them likely to be depressed.

·        The first step towards a dignified life for the elderly is to protect them from destitution and all the deprivations that may come with it.

·        A pension can help them to avoid extreme dependence on relatives who may or may not take good care of them, and it may even lead relatives to be more considerate.

·        Eligibility can even be self-declared, with the burden of time-bound verification being placed on the local administration or gram panchayat.

·        India’s social assistance schemes have low budgets and make a big difference to large numbers of people (about 40 million under NSAP). They are well worth expanding.

·        Social security pensions, of course, are just the first step towards a dignified life for the elderly.

·        They also need other support and facilities such as health care, disability aids, assistance with daily tasks, recreation opportunities and a good social life. 

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