The welfare of the Elderly
In India, the term “elderly” refers to individuals who are 60 years of age and above, as defined by the Government of India and various national policies. This age threshold is used in programs like the National Policy on Older Persons (1999) and schemes such as the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS).
The elderly population in India is growing rapidly due to increased life expectancy and improved healthcare. Recognizing this demographic shift, the government focuses on providing social security, healthcare, financial support, and legal protection to ensure the dignity and well-being of senior citizens.
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) is the nodal ministry for elderly welfare in India. It formulates policies, implements schemes like IGNOAPS and Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, and ensures social, economic, and healthcare support for senior citizens.
| National Council of Senior Citizens (2012) |
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It was earlier known as the National Council for Older Persons (NCOP) Its mandate is to advise the Central & State Governments on the entire gamut of issues related to the welfare of senior citizens and the enhancement of their quality of life, with special reference to the following:-
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Issues related to the Elderly
- Health coverage: There are issues like limited insurance penetration, high out-of-pocket expenses, and inadequate geriatric care infrastructure. Many elderly lack awareness of available schemes, while private insurance often excludes pre-existing conditions. Public schemes like Ayushman Bharat provide partial relief but require better accessibility and inclusion.
- National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) data: State/UT-wise cases registered, cases charge-sheeted, cases convicted, persons arrested, persons charge-sheeted and persons convicted under Crime against Senior Citizens during 2018-2020. The reasons for atrocities against the elderly and citizens are not maintained by the NCRB.
- Geriatric Depression – Late-life depression (LLD): depression occurring in older adults, typically aged 60 and above. It is often linked to loneliness, chronic illness, loss of independence, or bereavement, affecting emotional and physical well-being.
- Euthanasia: Euthanasia refers to the intentional act of ending a person’s life to relieve suffering, especially in cases of terminal illness. Most countries have legalized passive euthanasia either by legislation or by judicial interpretation with some conditions and safeguards. In India, only passive euthanasia is allowed by the Supreme Court. No
- Financial Security: Pension is the main source of income for 38% of elderly 65% of the elderly in India are dependent on others, according to the State of elderly people in India by the agewell foundation. Financial security is a major issue for those who work in the informal sector and housewives.
- Marginalisation: 70+ age are marginalised and isolated to a large extent. Older persons in the category of 60-70 years are looked after well by their children, but with further advancement in their age, children find it difficult or they are unable to look after them because of their own growing age and ever-increasing responsibilities towards their own children.
| ‘Financial Security for India’s Elderly’ |
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A report by PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory Development Authority) has recommended providing flexibility to workers from the informal economy and the agricultural sector in contributions and withdrawals from pension plans. It recommends a specific pension scheme for young women along the lines of the government’s Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme for young girls. Need for flexibility and specific scheme:
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Schemes for the Elderly in India:
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme(IGNOAPS),
It was earlier called as “National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS)“. It is a social sector scheme and forms part of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) which came into effect on the 15th August, 1995.
- Eligibility Criteria: To claim central assistance, the following criteria shall apply:
- The age of the applicant (male or female) shall be 60 years or higher
- The applicant must belong to a household below the poverty line according to the criteria prescribed by the Government of India.
- The pattern of assistance:
- The central assistance provided as:
- Pension is Rs. 200 p.m. for persons between 60 to 79 years.
- Pension is Rs. 500 p.m for persons who are 80 years and above.
- States are strongly urged to provide an additional amount at least an equivalent amount to the assistance provided by the Central Government so that the beneficiaries can get a decent level of assistance.
- The central assistance provided as:
Saving schemes for the Elderly
PM Vaya Vandana Yojana:
It was extended up to March 2020; Features:
- Ensures 8% return, on a Maximum of ₹15L(up from ₹7.5L in 2018) for 10 years depending upon the investment made by them.
- For People above 60: golden-agers.
- Loan up to 75% of the purchase price after 3 policy years (to meet the liquidity needs).
- Interest will be recovered from the pension instalments &
- the loan will be recovered from the claim proceeds.
- Premature exit for the treatment of any critical terminal illness of self or spouse.
- Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has been given the sole privilege to operate the scheme.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana:
‘for providing Physical Aids & Assisted-living Devices for Senior citizens belonging to the BPL category’. First-of-its-kind; Fully funded by the Central Government. It is expected to benefit 5.20L Senior Citizens.
- It will be implemented through the sole implementing agency, ‘Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALiMCo)’, a PSU under M/o SJ&E, which will undertake one year of free maintenance of the aids & assisted living devices.
- Beneficiary Identification: by the State Governments/UTs through a Committee chaired by the Deputy Commissioner/District Collector.
- The devices will help the Senior Citizens to overcome their age-related physical impairment and to lead a dignified and productive life.
- As far as possible, 30% of the beneficiaries in each district shall be women.
Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007:
It is the statutory right of every aged person to be provided dignity, health and Shelter. All 3 are important components of Art 21.
- The apex court ordered the Centre to obtain details from the States about the medical and geriatric care facilities available to senior citizens in each district.
- “There is no reliable information about the number of beds reserved for geriatric care in government or private hospitals or information regarding specific geriatric centres,” the court observed.
Most countries have legalized passive euthanasia either by legislation or by judicial interpretation with some conditions and safeguards.
- Although doctors on duty are to never give up. Experiences from palliative healthcare make an argument for Euthanasia.
| Aruna Ramachandran Shanbaug Case on Euthanasia |
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In 2018, a constitutional bench of the Supreme Court upheld passive euthanasia and granted legal status to its advance directives, which will hold good until Parliament enacts legislation on the matter. The SC makes a distinction between passive euthanasia and active euthanasia:
A person, while in a competent state of mind, leaves written instructions on the sort of medical treatment that may or may not be administered in the event of her reaching a stage of terminal illness. This is known as the Living Will. It should clearly indicate the decision relating to the circumstances in which withholding or withdrawal of medical treatment can be resorted to. It should have a clause stating that the executor may revoke the instructions/authority at any time.
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Related FAQs of The welfare of the Elderly
In India, anyone aged 60 or above is considered elderly. With rising life expectancy and a growing senior population, this demographic is now a key focus in policymaking. It’s no longer just about pensions — it’s also about healthcare, social security, and dignity. You’ll find more structured insights in our UPSC notes pdf on elderly welfare.
The elderly often face healthcare gaps, financial insecurity, social isolation, and marginalization, especially those above 70. Many don’t have pensions or health insurance, especially women and informal sector workers. We cover these real challenges and proposed reforms in detail in our UPSC notes pdf.
Key schemes include the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana for assistive devices, and PM Vaya Vandana Yojana for guaranteed pension returns. These schemes aim to provide dignity, support, and care to the elderly. Detailed eligibility and benefits are in our UPSC notes pdf.
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 gives elderly individuals the right to shelter, dignity, and support from their children. The Act even allows senior citizens to legally claim maintenance from family. Plus, Article 41 of the Constitution supports their welfare. Our UPSC notes pdf has all constitutional links and recent SC observations.
Passive euthanasia is legally allowed in India after the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling. It permits withdrawal of life-support for terminally ill patients under strict safeguards like a Living Will, medical board approvals, and judicial oversight. The landmark Aruna Shanbaug case helped shape this law. All procedural details are explained in our UPSC notes pdf.
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