A Narrative Review of National Programmes for theElderly in India: The Geriatric Care Policy needs tomainstream Aging in Development

Abstract

Background In response to the demographic transition sweeping across India which has led to an increasing proportion of older adults in India the National Policy for Older Persons NPOP was instituted in 1999 to promote the health and welfare of senior citizens. In 2011 Indiarsquos National Policy for Senior Citizens was announced and intended to further address several contributing factors. This accounted for the changing demographics of India the changing economy social milieu advancement in medical research science and technology and high levels of destitution prevalent among the elderly rural poor. It intended to cater to the needs of this high proportion of elderly women than men who experienced loneliness and were dependent on children while arguing that it represented to create an age integrated society. This once again reinforced the notion that by increasing the capacity of the family to take care of their older family members through increasing family bonds and intergenerational understanding and support. However it is evident that the actual implementation of this policy particularly in the rural areas has been relatively insignificant and the reality is compounded by the general breakdown of the joint family system and the migration of the younger generation to the towns and cities. Many elderly parents in Indiarsquos villages are left to fend for themselves as waves of migration leaves them alone and unsupported for their basic needs and medical requirements. Though the NPHCE was launched in 2010 and envisaged a tiered system of care provision for the elderly its vertical nature has meant its integration into the community has been marginal. This situational review article primarily focuses on the various facets of elder care policies in India. Since there are challenges to the living conditions of the elderly in India faced by the brunt of modernization urbanization and migration. As a nation gradually being impacted by the aging phenomenon we must adopt practices from other nations who have experienced aging and have taken policy measures to that effect. The focus needs to be on delivering effective social assistance schemes tailored contributory schemes and amend eligibility age and criteria to be of benefit to the rural and urban poor. An appropriate time has come to assess the implementation of our policies for senior citizens and review geriatric healthcare provisions vis a vis demographic trends mainstream aging in development and institutionalize a comprehensive geriatric care policy that is in tune with an aging India.