http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.

gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781120/ Introduction In India, the elderly account for 7% of the total population, of which two-thirds live in villages and nearly half of them in poor conditions. These problems range from absence of sufficient income and social security to support themselves, ill-health and loss of social role and recognition. Among the problems of elderly, health problems and medical care are the major concern among large majority of the elderly. This project discusses the problems faced by the elderly who are abandoned by their family and also highlights efforts of the government and NGOs to protect our senior citizens. Causes Indian societies are changing rapidly due to urbanisation, the steep aspirations of the youth and the increased numbers of women workforce. All these factors have led to a decline in the number of joint families and an increase in the concept of nuclear families. The direct impact of this is that the care and support of the elderly in India is getting marginalised. The last couple of decades have seen a great leap in life expectancy. The average age of human life has increased. This is being heralded as a marvel. This, however, means that that as people get older, unless they have had the discipline of following a healthy regimented life; they can be in for a long period of illness and suffering. The ill effects of chewing tobacco, smoking or alcoholism can catch up in old age. There are 81million older people in India-11 lakh in Delhi itself. According to an estimate nearly 40% of senior citizens living with their families are reportedly facing abuse of one kind or another, but only 1 in 6 cases actually comes to light. Implications A major proportion of the elderly are out of the work force, partially or totally dependent on others, and suffering from health problems with a sense of neglect by their family members. There is a growing need for interventions to ensure the health of this vulnerable group and to create a policy to meet the care and needs of the disabled elderly. Economic Insecurity The problem of economic insecurity is faced by the elderly when they are unable to sustain themselves financially. Increasing competition from younger people, chronic malnutrition and slowing physical and mental faculties, limited access to resources and lack of awareness of their rights play significant roles in reducing the ability of the elderly to remain financially productive, and thereby, independent. Economic security is as relevant for the elderly as it is for those of any other age group. As far as possible, elderly who are capable, should be encouraged, and if necessary, supported to be engaged in some economically productive manner. Others who are incapable of supporting themselves should be provided with partial or full social welfare grants that at least provide for their basic needs Neglect and Abuse The elderly, especially those who are weak and/or dependent, requires physical, mental and emotional care and support. They are highly vulnerable to abuse, where a person is wilfully or inadvertently harmed, usually by someone who is part of the family or otherwise close to the victim. Changing lifestyles and values, demanding jobs, distractions such as television, a shift to nuclear family structures and redefined priorities have led to increased neglect of the elderly by families and communities. This is worsened as the elderly are less likely to demand attention than those of other age groups.

The best form of protection from abuse is to prevent it. Those involved in elder care, especially NGOs in the field, can play a significant role in facilitating this through counselling of the individual, of families, sensitization of community leaders and group awareness or group counselling sessions. Information and education of groups of people from younger generations is necessary to help prevent abuse. The elderly should also be made aware of their rights in this regard. Where necessary, legal action needs be taken against those who wilfully abuse elders, combined with counselling of such persons so as to rehabilitate them. Elderly who are abused also require to be counselled, and if necessary rehabilitated to ensure that they are able to recover with minimum negative impact. Lack of Preparedness for Old Age A large number of people enter old age with little, or no, awareness of what this entails. For each person, there is a turning point after which (s)he feels physiologically or functionally old. This event could take place at any age before or after the age of 60. For the vast majority of people, old age sets in quietly, but suddenly, and few are prepared to deal with its issues. Awareness generation through the work place is a good beginning on the path to secure your future with HR departments taking an active role in preparing employees to face retirement and facing old age issues. For the majority who have unregulated occupations and for those who are self-employed, including farmers, awareness can be generated through the media and also through government offices and by NGOs in the field. Declining Health The aging process is synonymous with failing health. Deteriorating health due to advancing age is complicated by non-availability to good quality, age-sensitive, health care for a large proportion of older persons in the country. In addition, poor accessibility and/or high costs of disease management make reasonable elder care beyond the reach of older persons, especially those who are poor and disadvantaged. To address the issue of failing health, it is of prime importance that good quality health care be made available and accessible to the elderly in an age-sensitive manner. Health services should address preventive measures keeping in mind the diseases that affect or are likely to affect the communities in a particular geographical region. The cost of health has to be addressed so that no person is denied necessary health care for financial reasons. Response Much progress has been made in the quality and quantity of health care services in India in the last sixty years. However, improvements have been uneven with urban areas getting the best advantage of modern technological advances in Medicare. Much of the emphasis of health care delivery system was on mother and child programmes with special emphasis on controlling population. Older people were largely excluded. While elderly people in India may have reasonable access to family care, they are inadequately covered by economic and health security. The Government, which is already grappling with a number of pressing problems, does not have enough resources. For more than a decade, several individuals and organizations working with older people have been pressing the Government to introduce a National Policy for their welfare. Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Bill, 2007 seeks to make it a legal obligation for children and heirs to provide maintenance to senior citizens. It also permits state governments to establish old age homes in every district.

Senior citizens who are unable to maintain themselves shall have the right to apply to a maintenance tribunal seeking a monthly allowance from their children or heirs. This Act provides for the protection of parents and senior citizens. The main features of this Act are as follows:1. Parents, even below the age of 60 years, and grandparents who are unable to maintain themselves from their own income can demand maintenance from their children and Childless Senior Citizens who are unable to maintain themselves from their own income can demand maintenance from their relatives who are in possession of or are likely to inherit their property. 2. Maintenance includes provision for food, clothing, residence, medical attendance and treatment. Maximum amount which may be ordered for maintenance of a senior citizen by the Tribunal shall be such as prescribed by the State Government which shall not exceed Rs. 10,000/- per month. 3. If anybody who has responsibility for the care or protection of a senior citizen leaves him/her in any place, with the intention of wholly abandoning him/her, such person shall be punishable under the Act with imprisonment of either three months or fine up to Rs. 5,000 or both. 4. State Governments should set up at least one Old Age Home for every 150 beneficiaries in a district. These homes are to provide Senior Citizens with minimum facilities such as food, clothing and recreational activities. 5. All Government hospitals or those funded by the Government must provide beds for Senior Citizens as far as possible. Also, special queues to access medical facilities should be arranged for them. 6. If the children or relatives, fail to pay the maintenance that is ordered, without sufficient reason for 3 months after its due date, the Tribunal again may impose a fine or order imprisonment of the child/relative up to a month or until payment is made whichever is earlier. HelpAge India HelpAge India is secular, not-for-profit organization registered under the Societies' Registration Act of 1860. Set up in 1978, they have been raising resources to protect the rights of India's elderly and provide relief to them through various interventions. HelpAge India voices the needs of India's "grey" population, and directly impacts the lives of lakhs of elders through our services every year.
They advocate with national & local government to bring about policy that is beneficial to the elderly. They make society aware of the concerns of the aged and promote better understanding of ageing issues. They help the elderly become aware of their own rights so that they get their due and are able to play an

active role in society. Since the establishment of HelpAge India 35 years ago, much has changed with regard to senior citizens issues in India. Rapid increase in their total population, changes in family structure, living and lifestyles, longevity of life, the need to live independently and with dignity; and issues concerning elders in general such as personal security, financial security, respect and role in family and society, etc., all these have impacted senior citizens in one way or another.