• October 1 2018 Observed as a day for elderly
• In the year 2002, UN general assembly highlighted a day for older persons.
• UN has estimated that by the year 2050 the population of elderly people will grow by 2 billion which is roughly 20% of the world population.

Concerns elderly People:

• There are various concerns facing the old age people ranging from Psychological, Physical, social, financial and healthcare.
• In India, the healthcare tends to be a major problem, where most of the elderly population do not have either access or cannot afford to go to healthcare.
• Due to the formation of more nuclear family, elder people live alone which weakens them psychologically. They are susceptible to psychotic depression.
• Decline in mental health make them dependent, they no longer have trust in their own ability.
• Social Problems: Older people suffer social losses greatly with age their social life is narrowed down by loss of work associated, death of relatives, friends and spouse and weak health which restricts their participation in social activities.
• Even to some extent there are practice of lesser version of ‘ Senicide’.

Government Policies and Schemes:

• The National Policy on older persons (NPOP), 1999 Envisages state support to ensure financial and food security, health care, shelter and other needs of older persons, equitable share in development, protection against abuse and exploitation and availability all services to improve the quality of their lives.
• Indira Gandhi National old age pension scheme, has been implemented since 1995 by the Ministry of Rural Development to provide financial security to senior citizens living below the poverty line.
• Under the scheme central assistance is given towards pension @ Rs. 200 per month to persons above 60 years and @ 500/- Per month to persons above 80 years of age.
• Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana: to provide social security during old age and to protect elderly persons aged 60 Years and above against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions.
• It also ensures assured return of 8% per annum for 10 years.
• Rashtriya Vayushri Yojana: for providing physical aids and assisted living devices for senior citizens belonging to BPL category.
• Varshita Pension Bima Yojana: Run by the Ministry of Finance is intended to give an assured minimum pension on generated minimum return on the subscription amount, implemented through LIC.