Celebrating World Senior Citizen's Day! Learn about its significance and history!

It's amazing to see a human life go from being an infant to a senior citizen, experiencing all the different stages and changes that come with ageing. 

However, just as infants get praised for their accomplishments, even for a small step like walking, seniors should also be celebrated for their resilience and wisdom gained over the years. 

Therefore, Ronald Reagan, the former President of the United States of America, declared August 21 as National Senior Citizen’s Day to honour and recognise the contributions and achievements of older adults in society. 

Why is World’s Seniors Day celebrated?

World Senior Citizen’s Day is celebrated to appreciate the senior citizens for the services, accomplishments, and dedication they have given in their lives. 

Its history dates back to 1988, when Ronald Reagan signed the promulgation of 5847, which officially declared August 21st as National Senior Citizen’s Day in the United States. 

Since then, countries worldwide have adopted similar days to honour and recognise the contributions of their elderly population.

The significance and importance of World Senior Citizen's Day

World Senior Citizen's Day is celebrated every year on August 21st to bring attention to the issues they face worldwide. With India's ageing population rapidly increasing, this day will be particularly significant in 2024.

According to a report from July 2020, India's elderly population is expected to reach 193.4 million by 2031. This is a big increase from the 103.8 million older adults counted in the 2011 Census, which made up 8.6% of the total population at that time. This rise highlights the need to focus on healthcare, financial security, and social support for older people.

In response to these changes, the Indian government has introduced several programmes to improve the well-being of senior citizens. These actions show a growing understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with an ageing population in India.

Key schemes and programmes implemented by the Government of India:

1. Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY): Department of Social Justice and Empowerment:

Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC):

• Senior Citizens' Homes for 25 destitute Senior Citizens.
• Senior Citizens' Homes for 50 Elderly Women (including under SAGY).
• Continuous Care Homes for Senior Citizens with Alzheimer's or Dementia.
• Mobile Medicare Units for rural and backward areas.
• Physiotherapy clinics for senior citizens.
• Regional Resource and Training Centres (RRTCs) for technical support and training.

2. State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC):

• Collaboration with state and UT governments to develop and implement state plans for senior citizens' welfare.

3. Rastriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY):

• Provision of physical aids and assisted living devices to senior citizens, especially those in the BPL category.

4. Livelihood and Skilling Initiatives for Senior Citizens:

• Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity (SACRED): Portal for re-employment opportunities for senior citizens.
• Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction (AGRASR Groups): Elderly Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

5. Promoting the Silver Economy:

• Financial assistance of up to Rs. 1 crore for entrepreneurs to create innovative solutions for elderly care.

6. Channelising CSR Funds for Elderly Care:

• Utilisation of CSR funds for old age homes, daycare centres, etc., as per Schedule VII of the Companies Act.

7. Scheme for Awareness Generation and Capacity Building:

• National Helpline for Senior Citizens (Elderline) with toll-free number 14567.
• Awareness, sensitisation, and capacity-building initiatives.

8. National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): Ministry of Rural Development

• Financial assistance to the elderly, widows, and disabled persons below the poverty line.
• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Monthly pension for elderly aged 60–79 years.
• Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): Monthly pension for persons with severe disabilities.

9. National Programme for the Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

• Provides comprehensive healthcare facilities to elderly persons at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

10. Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Ministry of Finance

• Provides a guaranteed pension to all citizens, especially poor and unorganised sector workers, upon reaching 60 years of age.

11. Schemes under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

• Model Building Bye Laws, 2016 (MBBL): Prescribes standards for elder-friendly, barrier-free environments.
• Urban Bus Specification-II, 2013: Focuses on elder-friendly public transport with low-floor buses and wheelchair spaces.
• Housing for All Missions/Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Prioritises senior citizens for ground- or lower-floor housing allotments.
• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM): Aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability, including providing shelter for the urban homeless, irrespective of age.

What are the challenges faced by elderly seniors?

Elderly people face numerous challenges that can affect their quality of life and overall well-being. Here are a few challenges:

1. Healthcare Access and Quality

Elderly seniors often face difficulties accessing healthcare services due to mobility issues, transportation challenges, and financial constraints. Additionally, there can be a shortage of geriatric specialists and age-appropriate care facilities, making it harder for seniors to receive the medical attention they need.

2. Economic Security

Many older adults struggle with financial instability due to inadequate retirement savings, limited pension benefits, or rising living costs. This economic uncertainty can lead to difficulties in meeting basic needs, such as housing, food, and healthcare, impacting their overall quality of life.

3. Social Isolation

As people age, they may experience increased social isolation due to factors such as retirement, the loss of friends and family, and physical limitations. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, significantly affecting their mental and emotional well-being.

4. Elder Abuse

Elder abuse, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse, is a serious issue affecting many seniors. Vulnerable older adults may be subjected to mistreatment by carers, family members, or others, which can have severe impacts on their health and safety.