India has more elderly people than ever before. Most of them have little social security and cannot afford healthcare. While the government does not seem prepared to provide them with care. To meet these challenges, basic needs of physical and mental health, food and shelter, income security, and social care are needed. There are also many schemes related to the elderly population, but people are unaware of them or find it cumbersome to join them.
Senior citizens in the country are facing various problems and challenges. Many senior citizens are facing severe financial problems. They have no regular income and no access to pensions or social security schemes. What are the social needs of the elderly? These needs are vital for health, including relationships with family and friends, participation in meaningful activities, and preservation of autonomy and dignity. Addressing these needs is not just beneficial; it is also vital for the health and happiness of our aging population. Meeting the social needs of the elderly is like caring for a delicate plant. They require careful attention, constant care, and a nurturing environment to blossom. After all, social needs are much more than just the basic need for human interaction. They form the basis of a person’s overall health, affecting both physical health and emotional stability.
The number of elderly (persons aged 60 years and above) will increase from 100 million in 2011 to 230 million in 2036. By 2050, the elderly population is expected to be nearly a fifth of the total population. This makes the welfare of the elderly population in India an imminent need. Economic vulnerabilities of the elderly, such as the large informal sector workforce lacking pension coverage (over 80% of the workforce in India is informal), rising healthcare costs and limited savings, add to the financial challenges. Migration and changing structures are weakening the family support system. Expand pension coverage, introduce affordable health insurance (expansion of the Ayushman Bharat scheme to all elderly is a good move), create investment options for senior citizens, and promote reverse mortgages.
Senior citizens also suffer from isolation in society. They are lonely due to a lack of social contacts. They also need protection of their property and protection from crimes against them. There are frequent reports of crimes against senior citizens, especially those living alone, related to their property. Due to the reduction in joint families and migration, many elderly are left alone, leading to depression and anxiety. Cultural changes have also affected inter-generational relationships. The traditional respect and reverence for elders, which was once the cornerstone of Indian society, is now undergoing subtle changes. Elderly women, especially widows, often face more severe forms of social isolation. Challenges with technology the digital divide further isolates the elderly. There are community engagement programs, senior clubs, inter-generational programs, and volunteer opportunities.
Measures for the welfare of the elderly, such as infrastructure development, will provide age-friendly spaces, accessible transport, and geriatric health facilities, thereby improving mobility, independence, and social connectivity. Digital literacy programs for the elderly to access online services. Telemedicine and emergency response systems to maintain human connectivity. Collaboration between the government, NGOs (Agewell Foundation), the private sector, and local communities is essential. Religious institutions can provide social and spiritual support. Accessible counselling, support groups, and activities to deal with depression and anxiety. Strengthening family support and promoting family bonding through counselling and intergenerational programs. Incentives for multi-generational families, such as replicating Switzerland’s Time Bank initiative. Under this initiative, the younger generation starts saving ‘time’ by taking care of senior citizens. Later, they can use the saved ‘time’ when they grow old, fall ill, or need someone to take care of them. This initiative should be implemented in the Indian system. India should increase the retirement age in a phased manner in the future so as not to jeopardize the opportunities of the younger generation.
Government schemes for the elderly population, such as the National Policy for Older Persons 2011, Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana, Senior Care Aging Growth Engine Initiative, and Portal, will streamline and strengthen this. An aging India can also be a caring India for its elders. By creating inclusive, accessible, and comprehensive welfare schemes that address both aspects (financial as well as social vulnerabilities), India can ensure that its elderly population grows up with dignity, security, and social connectedness. Addressing the social needs of the elderly is crucial for their overall well-being. Whether it is fostering meaningful relationships, encouraging regular social interactions, promoting independence, or providing professional support and services, each element plays a vital role in ensuring successful aging.
While challenges such as social isolation and barriers to social participation exist, they can be overcome with personal, family, community, and professional support. As we continue to serve our aging population, let’s remember that their social needs are as important as their physical needs. After all, a life well lived is a life well connected.
