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Elderly in Modern Society
4.1 Demographic Realities
India is experiencing a demographic transition that is simultaneously ageing:
- Elderly (60+): 138 million (2021) — 10.1% of population.
- Very old (80+): 8.9 million (2021).
- 2050 projection: 346 million elderly (20.8% of population) — world's largest elderly population.
- Old Age Dependency Ratio: 14.2 per 100 working age persons (2021); projected to reach 31.4 by 2050.
- Gender: Elderly women outnumber men (feminisation of ageing) due to higher female longevity.
4.2 Problems of the Elderly
- Economic insecurity: Only 27% of elderly men and 12% of elderly women receive some pension (NITI Aayog 2020).
- Health burden: 40% of elderly have chronic disease (arthritis, hypertension, diabetes); 3.6% are bed-ridden.
- Loneliness and social isolation: Nuclear family structure leaves elderly alone; urban migration of children.
- Elder abuse: NITI Aayog 2020: 20% face abuse (physical, emotional, financial exploitation, neglect).
- Digital exclusion: Only 15% of 60+ use smartphones for key functions (LASI Wave 1, 2020).
4.3 Legal Framework for Elderly
| Law/Policy | Year | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance of Parents & Senior Citizens Act | 2007 (amended 2019) | Children must pay up to ₹10,000/month; abandoned senior can reclaim property |
| National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) | 1999 | Framework for active ageing, pension, healthcare |
| Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) | 2017 (extended to 2023) | Pension scheme for 60+; 8% assured return; LIC-managed; max ₹15 lakh |
| Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) | 2017 | Free aids/appliances to BPL elderly; Ministry of SJ&E |
| Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYUDAY) | 2021 | Umbrella scheme for elderly welfare under MSJE |
| Senior Citizen Health Insurance | Ayushman Bharat | No upper age limit; ₹5 lakh/year coverage |
Rajasthan context:
- Rajasthan Old Age Pension Scheme (Mukhya Mantri Vridhjan Samman Pension Yojana): ₹1,000/month for women 55+ and men 58+.
- Free medical care for all elderly at government hospitals.
- RPSC 2021 (2-mark Q): Old age pension eligibility in Rajasthan.
4.4 Global Perspectives
- UN International Day of Older Persons: 1 October (since 1991).
- WHO Active Ageing Policy Framework (2002): Health, participation, security as pillars.
- Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA, 2002): Framework for government action on ageing adopted by 159 countries.