Govt and civil society must guarantee older citizens a comfortable, dignified and safe life
Yesterday, several programmes were held worldwide to mark the International Day of Older Persons, also called World Elders’ Day. The United Nations observed it under the theme – Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-being and Our Rights.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that older persons are powerful agents of change and that their voices must be heard in shaping policies, ending age discrimination, and building inclusive societies. Far from being passive beneficiaries, they are drivers of progress, contributing their knowledge and experience in areas such as health equity, financial well-being, community resilience, and human rights advocacy, according to the UN. Indeed, the day serves as a platform for older persons to voice their aspirations, advocate for their rights, and call for policies that ensure dignity and well-being.
The number of people aged 60 years and above has more than doubled, from around 541 million in 1995 to 1.2 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050, statistics say. Global life expectancy has reached 73.5 years this year, an increase of 8.6 years since 1995. The number of super senior citizens is growing even faster and is projected to surpass the number of infants by the mid-2030s, reaching 265 million, according to new data. Goa too has a significant number of super senior citizens. A function in Margao saw strong calls to treat senior citizens with respect and address their demands.
The National Policy on Older Persons is implemented by the government of India to guarantee older citizens a comfortable and dignified life. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal ministry for implementing the policy. Similarly, the National Policy for Senior Citizens, 2011, also aims to address issues concerning senior citizens. Several schemes and facilities are being implemented by the central government for this section of society.
In Goa, senior citizens and parents are protected under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act. It empowers those who are unable to maintain themselves to claim maintenance from their children or relatives who have sufficient means. Goa started the Dayanand Social Security scheme nearly 23 years ago – a scheme that has provided solace to those who are poor and unable to sustain themselves with existing resources. The Social Welfare Department also has several other schemes, including a palliative care scheme. Goa seems to be ahead in coming out with schemes and policies for the welfare of senior citizens and functions as a welfare state.
The schemes provide financial security, infrastructure, day-care centres, maintenance support, basic aids, travel concessions, and more. However, senior citizens’ groups say that while the government has taken many initiatives, more needs to be done. Goa has a large number of senior citizens living alone, compared to most other states. More than financial support, what they need is to live without fear. At times, burglaries and other crimes reported in parts of the state give them sleepless nights. They need social support from the community and even from nearby police stations. They need government support to protect their lands and ancestral houses. In their twilight years, integrated healthcare, especially for those with conditions such as dementia or disabilities, is essential.
For them, what is important are policies that promote healthy and active ageing. It is not only the responsibility of the government but also of society to treat elders with love and dignity. Failure to do so will show that something is wrong with our society.
