"Getting Old" is a normal process that every individual goes through during their life. It essentially refers to the reduction in functional capability caused by physiological change. Senior individuals contribute to society by sharing their different characteristics, ideas, information, and skills. Looking at the current situation, where the foundations of the joint family structure are crumbling and an increasing number of women are entering paid work, senior adults face a slew of issues in terms of solitary and social mental instability. In rural places where the joint family structure still prevails, elder individuals are more valued and seen as an important component of families. The purpose of this article is to explain the rights and services accessible to the elderly. It also highlights several ministries' policies and activities. Because of illiteracy or a lack of awareness, the majority of older folks are uninformed of their rights. Their major issues may be classified into the following categories:
- Monetary issue
- Physiological and physical issues
- Psychosocial issue
Laws Concerning Individuals
- The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956 provides for the adoption and maintenance of Hindu children. Section 20 of the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956 allows parents to seek maintenance from both their son and daughter if they are unable to support themselves. This right applies to both biological and adoptive parents. Stepparents who have their own children, on the other hand, cannot demand support from their stepchildren.
- Christian and Parsi legal systems: There are no provisions for sustenance in Christian or Parsi personal laws governing parents. Christian and Parsi parents seeking support from their children must file a suit under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
- Personal Law in Islam: According to Muslim personal law, both sons and daughters are obligated to support their destitute parents if they have the resources to do so. Because the notion of parenthood does not exist in the Muslim community, personal law is mute on the right of adopted parents to sustenance.
India has also played a significant role in guarding and supporting our country's disadvantaged groups by offering different advantages and facilities and adopting various policies and programs for them:
The 2007 Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act:
The Act intends to provide older persons with support in order to keep them from becoming destitute. It also aims to protect older folks' lives and possessions. It intends to establish Old Age Homes in each area. The notion of maintenance includes all of life's requirements. This Act applies to all Indian nationals who have reached the age of 60. Under this Act, the state government has the authority to establish a maintenance tribunal in each sub-division with the authority to determine the level of service. All sustenance tribunal appeals would be heard by the Appellate Tribunal.
Reverse Lends:
Under this arrangement, an elderly citizen leases his properties to a lender in the role of a borrower, and the lender makes monthly payments to the borrower throughout his life.
New pension system:
This program allows a person to save a certain amount of money over the course of his working life.
Health:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare maintains distinct lines for elderly people at hospitals for enrollment and clinical assessment processes. This is in complement to the discounts provided for the treatment of conditions such as heart difficulties, diabetes, renal problems, hypertension, joint, and eye disorders.
Travel:
The Indian Railways offers a 30% discount on ticket charges to anybody over the age of 60. It is 50% if the elderly person is a woman over the age of 60. Other amenities include precedence for lower births, a distinct booking booth, and ramps to slide in wheelchairs at access points, specifically equipped coaches with accommodations for supporting wheelchairs, railings, and a specifically designed lavatory for handicapped elderly citizens. When flying, older people are advised to board first. Aside from that, Indian Airlines offers a 50% discount on the acquisition of premium economy tickets. In addition, for overseas flights, Air India offers a discount to senior citizens aged 60 and up.
Banking:
The Indian government offers high-interest rates to its older people on some savings schemes administered by post offices and other commercial institutions. They can also get an income tax credit of up to Rs 1.85 lakhs every year.
Accommodation:
The Indian government offers housing, such as retirement communities and recreational or education institutions. These facilities provide elderly people the opportunity to spend their leisure time participating in a variety of activities. Yoga clubs, exercise clubs, gardens, spiritual sessions, picnics, culinary festivals, libraries, creative arts, music lessons, and indoor activities are all available at most leisure centers.
Miscellaneous:
Cases concerning elderly people are given precedence in the country's courts, and they are resolved as quickly as possible.
Annapurna plan:
Since 2001, 10 kgs of food grains have been distributed free of charge to elderly adults over the age of 65 who are poor.
Aside from all of these initiatives and amenities, the government has taken specific actions under the National Policy on Older Persons, 1999, by establishing a distinct bureau in the Ministry of Social Justice and Equality for aged people. It also sought to establish councils of older people in each state, as well as a National Council for Older People and an independent National Association of Older People. These organizations were formed to investigate the challenges of the elderly and strive toward their resolution.
Summary
The government has made every effort to provide for the advancement and security of elderly people (which might improve their daily lives) by developing numerous government concessions, plans, and policies expressly for them. However, the execution of these well-intended instruments is woefully inadequate. Another issue that legislative tools have not fully addressed is the growing crime rate against the older population on the streets and within the limits of their houses, with thievery and a misdemeanor being the chief causes for their attack. Proper police patrols, SOS facilities, and the application of existing instruments appear to be the most pressing demands of the hour.