Aging with Dignity: Centre Gears Up for a Senior-First National Policy Overhaul

The Indian government is gearing up to roll out a comprehensive new National Policy for Senior Citizens, designed to meet the changing needs of the country’s rapidly growing elderly population. With estimates suggesting that seniors will make up nearly 20% of India’s population by 2047, this policy represents the first significant update in 25 years, signaling a shift from a welfare approach to one focused on empowerment.

 

Key Highlights

 

•⁠  ⁠This new policy will draw on the latest insights from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), which is the largest study of its kind in the world, examining health, economic, and social well-being among older adults.

 

•⁠  ⁠Key focus areas include promoting digital inclusion, enhancing grievance redressal mechanisms to combat elder abuse, establishing minimum standards for old age homes, and expanding healthcare and social security services.

 

•⁠  ⁠To improve digital access, the government is launching the Senior Citizen Welfare Portal and has opened new senior citizen homes across various states to create safe and supportive environments.

 

•⁠  ⁠Currently, over 708 NGOs are receiving support under existing schemes, with recent outreach efforts concentrating on legal rights, health, and fostering intergenerational connections through nationwide workshops and events.

 

•⁠  ⁠The formulation of this policy is being shaped by the active involvement of senior citizen associations, NGOs, and community stakeholders to ensure it is relevant and effectively delivered.

 

Outlook

 

As India aims for “Viksit Bharat @2047,” this new policy is set to empower seniors as active contributors to society, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect while providing opportunities for lifelong engagement and well-being.

 

Source: PIB, Times of India, Economic Times