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Introduction

India elderly population has increased from 5% of the population in 1950 to around 10% of the population by 2016, and this is estimated to rise to 19% by 2050. As they are facing a number of challenges in the 21st century. There is a growing demand for a new elderly policy to address these challenges and ensure that the elderly can live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

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The 21st-century challenges faced by elderly in India

• Healthcare Accessibility: An alarming challenge is the limited availability of healthcare services in remote locations. Elderly people might have to travel hundreds of kilometres to reach a hospital, something extremely difficult given their health condition.
• Rising Cost of Healthcare: With medical inflation and privatization of healthcare, treatments for chronic ailments have become unaffordable for many. For instance, an elderly person with heart disease might struggle to afford regular check-ups and medications.
• Financial Insecurity: Many elderly individuals face financial stress due to inflation and limited income sources. For instance, a retired person might struggle to meet their daily needs and expenses due to insufficient pension funds.
• Technological Divide: The rapid advancement of technology has left many elderly individuals behind. They might struggle to adapt to new technologies such as smartphones or digital platforms, leading to feelings of exclusion.
• Inadequate Public Infrastructure: There is often a lack of elderly-friendly infrastructure in public spaces. An elderly person might avoid public transport due to lack of proper seating or boarding facilities, affecting their mobility and independence.
• Malnutrition: Despite India’s economic progress, malnutrition is still prevalent among the elderly, particularly those living in poverty. Insufficient nutrition weakens their immunity, making them more susceptible to health complications.

Necessity of a new elderly policy can be seen in the following ways

• Holistic Healthcare Approach: The increase of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease among the elderly necessitates a new policy. Health insurance schemes tailored to the elderly, like ‘Varistha Mediclaim’ from National Insurance, can ensure comprehensive healthcare.
• Mental Health Focus: Considering the rise in mental health issues, a policy needed to establish dedicated mental health services. For instance, setting up counselling centres like Vandrevala Foundation’s mental health helpline can assist in addressing loneliness and depression.
• Social Security Enhancement: Need of policy to enhance social security measures like pensions, ensuring a reliable income for the elderly. As an example, expanding the ‘Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme’ can help more seniors live independently.
  
• Abuse Protection: A policy offering strict laws and penalties against elder abuse is required to protect seniors. A helpline similar to ‘Elder Helpline’ by Nightingales Medical Trust can provide a platform for reporting abuse.

Main constituents that this revamped policy should integrate

• Promoting Active Ageing: A policy that promotes active ageing through community engagements can help the elderly lead a fulfilling life. Establishing recreational centres similar to ‘Agewell Foundation’ can provide seniors with various activities and lifelong learning opportunities.
• Research and Data Collection: Encouraging research on ageing, like the ‘Longitudinal Aging Study in India’, can help tailor interventions, measure impact, and ensure policy effectiveness.
• Technological Inclusion: Policies can bridge the technological divide faced by the elderly. Programs similar to ‘Tech Savvy Seniors’ in Australia, offering digital literacy training, can help seniors adapt to the digital world.
• Infrastructure Development: The policy can mandate elderly-friendly infrastructure standards, like adding ramps in public buildings or priority seating in public transport, to make public spaces more accessible.
• Legal Empowerment: By strengthening legal rights and offering affordable legal services, seniors can be safeguarded from exploitation. For instance, organizations like ‘HelpAge India’ provide legal services to the elderly, aiding in property and accommodation disputes.
• Nutrition Programs: To combat malnutrition, policies could propose subsidized nutrition programs. Government-run community kitchens, akin to ‘Amma Canteens’ in Tamil Nadu, can ensure seniors receive balanced meals, promoting health and well- being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a new elderly policy is essential to address the diverse and increasing needs of India’s elderly population. With a forward-thinking approach and a supportive and inclusive environment that upholds their dignity and overall well-being, we can ensure a dignified, fulfilling, and healthier future for India’s rapidly growing elderly population.

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