GOVERNMENT SCHEMES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

- Akoijam Bijesh Singh,

Deborah B.Lalmalsawmi

Master of Social Work

2nd Semester

INTRODUCTION
Elderly or old age consists of ages nearing or surpassing the average life span of
human beings. The boundary of old age cannot be defined exactly because it does not have
the same meaning in in all societies. Government of India adopted ‘National Policy on Older
Persons’ in January, 1999. The policy defines ‘senior citizen’ or ‘elderly’ as a person who is
of age 60 years of above.

According to WHO as far as 1875, in Britain, the friendly societies act, enacted the
definition of old age as, “Any age after 50”, yet pension scheme mostly used age 60 or 65
years for eligibility around the world and India.

1.1 Concept and Definition

The age of 60 or 65, roughly equivalent to retirement ages in most developed

countries, is said to be the beginning of old age. In many parts of the developing world,
chronological time has little or no importance in the meaning of old age. Other socially
constructed meanings of age are more significant such as the roles assigned to older people;
in some cases it is the loss of roles accompanying physical decline which is significant in
defining old age. Many times the definition is linked to the retirement age, which in some
instances, was lower for women than men. This transition in livelihood became the basis for
the definition of old age which occurred between the ages of 45 and 55 years for women and
between the ages of 55 and 75 years for men. (Thane, 1978). Elderly consist of ages nearing
or surpassing the average life span of human beings. The boundary of elderly cannot be
defined exactly because it does not have the same meaning in all societies. At the start of the
twenty-1st century, the older population was putting an end to that trend. Among people over

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sixty years old, the poverty rate fell from 30 percent in 1967 to 9.7 percent in 2008, well
below the national average of 13.2 percent (U.S. Census Bureau 2009).

According to the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, the national
poverty rate among the elderly had risen to 14 percent by 2010 (Urban Institute and Kaiser
Commission 2010). During the recession, older people lost some of the financial advantages
that they’d gained in the 1980s and 1990s. From October 2007 to October 2009 the values of
retirement accounts for people over age fifty lost 18 percent of their value. The sharp decline
in the stock market also forced many to delay their retirement (Administration on Aging
2009). The National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) for the first time, conducted a
survey on the elderly (persons of age 60 years and above), along with the survey on social
consumption in its 42nd round (July 1986 – June 1987), to assess the nature and dimensions
of the socio-economic problems of the aged. Again NSSO repeated the survey on social
consumption in its 52nd round (July 1995 – June 1996) and in 60th Round (January – June,
2004). Information on the socio-economic condition of the aged, data on some chronic
diseases and physical disabilities were also collected during these rounds of the NSS surveys
where the main objective was to focus on the socio-economic and health conditions of the
current aged population, and the emerging policy issues for elderly care in India in the
coming years. According to WHO as far as 1875, in Britain, the friendly societies act,
enacted the definition of old age as, “Any age after 50”, yet pension scheme mostly used age
60 or 65 years for eligibility around the world and India as well.

Study results published in 1980 provides a basis for a definition of old age in
developing countries (Glascock, 1980). This international anthropological study was
conducted in the late 1970's and included multiple areas in Africa. Definitions fell into three
main categories: 1) chronology; 2) change in social role (i.e. change in work patterns, adult
status of children and menopause); and 3) change in capabilities (i.e. invalid status, senility
and change in physical characteristics). Results from this cultural analysis of old age
suggested that change in social role is the predominant means of defining old age. When the
preferred definition was chronological, it was most often accompanied by an additional
definition. A large numbers of elderly have any number of chronic conditions that are linked
to lifestyle choices that do not include positive health promotion activities. Aged feels
helpless and useless about themselves and their family and in their community also. This
feeling give to anxiety and depression on old age ageing is a fact in it. For the first time in
history, most people can expect to live into their 60s and beyond. The consequences for

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health, health systems, their workforce and budgets are profound. The World report on ageing
and health responds to these challenges by recommending equally profound changes in the
way health policies for ageing populations are formulated and services are provided.

Demographers have not traditionally used such measures in studies of population and
society, instead using age as a proxy for those characteristics. But as lifespans get longer, the
same age no longer correlates with the same level of health and other such characteristics. At
a time of unpredictable challenges for health, whether from a changing climate, emerging
infectious diseases, or the next microbe that develops drug resistance, one trend is certain: the
ageing of populations is rapidly accelerating worldwide. For the first time in history, most
people can expect to live into their 60s and beyond. The consequences for health, health
systems, their workforce and budgets are profound. The World report on ageing and health
responds to these challenges by recommending equally profound changes in the way health
policies for ageing populations are formulated and services are provided. As the foundation
for its recommendations, the report looks at what the latest evidence has to say about the
ageing process, noting that many common perceptions and assumptions about older people
are based on outdated stereotypes.

The government of India adopted ‘National Policy on Older Persons’ in January,

1999. The policy defines ‘senior citizen’ or ‘elderly’ as a person who is age of 60 years or
above. Conventionally, years old or older,“elderly” has been defined as a chronological age
of 65 years old are referred to as “early elderly” andwhile those from 65 through 74 years old
as “late elderly. “At age 68, according a Pew Research Centre’s Social & Demographic
Trends surveyalso found that you’re really as old as you feel. Sixty percent of adults aged 65
and over said they feel younger than their actual age, 32 percent said they feel their exact age,
and 3 percent said they feel older than their agePerceptions of the onset of old age varied
widely according to the respondent’s age. People under 30 believe that old age strikes before
the average person turns 60, whereas middle-aged respondents said that old age begins at 70
and adults aged 65 or older put the threshold closer to 74gender made a difference in the
findings too. On average, women said that a person becomes old at age 70, whereas men said
that the magic number is closer to 66 years of age.Researchers tell us that 90 is the new 50.

More and more products are created to make older people look and feel like younger
people. And so the Elderly Line continues to shift, mirage-like, in the desert sand. Taylor
recommends that we embrace aging. She also thinks we should drop euphemisms for aging,

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such as “old,” “seniors,” “elders,” and “older.” She adds that Boomers, many of whom are
now seniors, do not respond well to these terms. According to an NBC News report, whether
ageism will become better or worse as more Boomers hit old age is unclear. To highlight that
aging doesn’t mean crippling old age, the report shared the story of a 74-year-old Duke
University professor who has written several books on aging. The professor said, “One can
say unequivocally that older people are getting smarter, richer and healthier as time goes on.”
Ageism is everywhere, yet it is the most socially normalized of any prejudice, and is not
widely countered – like racism or sexism. It exists when the media portrays all old people as
frail and dependent.

Older people who feel they are a burden may also perceive their lives to be less
valuable, putting them at risk of depression and social isolation. Research by Levy et al
shows that older adults with negative attitudes about aging may live 7.5 years less than those
with positive attitudes. Aging is a series of processes that begin with life and continue
throughout the life cycle. It represents the closing period in the lifespan, a time when the
individual looks back on life, lives on past accomplishments and begins to finish off his life
course. Adjusting to the changes that accompany old age requires that an individual is
flexible and develops new coping skills to adapt to the changes that are common to this time
in their lives. There is consensus that health in old age cannot meaningfully be defined as the
absence of disease because the prevalence of diagnosable disorders in elderly populations is
high.

Elderly have lived for a long time – from generations to generations. They teach us
respect and wisdom, the value of family and life. So, caring for elders help us to grow in
many ways. If they are not there we won’t be there, they are truest form of wisdom[Martin
Luther Christian University Shillong, Meghalaya].

1.2 Schemes for elderly in India

There are various schemes for elderly in India Which are:

Senior Citizens Savings Scheme(SCSS)-

This scheme is a government backed saving instrument offered to Indian residents

aged above 60 years.The deposit matures in five years and can be extended once for an
additional three year period.This scheme can avail either through public/private bank or

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through the Indian post office.The accrued interest is compounded and credited
quarterly.Investent made under this scheme are eligible for tax exemption.

National Social Assistance Programme(NSAP)-

This scheme was centrally sponsored by government of India that provides

financial assistance to the persons with disabilities,elderly,widows in the form of social
pensions.NSAP which came into effect from 15 th August 1995 represents a significant step
towards the fulfilment of the Directive Principles in Article 41 of the Constitution.

Sub schemes under this programme

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme

Annapurna Scheme

Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme

Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme

National Family Benefit Scheme

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)-

The Ministry of Rural Development runs the National Social Assistance Programme
(NSAP) that extends social assistance for poor households – for the aged, widows, disabled,
and in cases of death where the breadwinner has passed away. Under this scheme, financial
assistance is provided to persons of 60 years and above and belonging to the family living
below poverty line as per the criteria prescribed by Government of India.

Annapurna Scheme-

The Ministry of the Rural Development launched the scheme in 2000-01. Indigent
senior citizens of 65 years of age or above who are eligible for old age pension under the
National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS) but are not getting the pension, are covered. 10
Kgs. of food grains per person per months are supplied free of cost under scheme.

Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme-

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 This scheme is started by central Government(Ministry of Rural Development) in
1995 for providing financial assistance to widow women who belongs to economically
dependent or BPL.Widow aged above 40 years are elgible for this scheme.AmountRs
300/month aged 40-79 years.Rs 500/month for those 80 years and above.

Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme-

This scheme is a component National Social Assistance Programme9NSAP)Under

thisscheme,Central assistance of Rs 300 per month per beneficiary is provided to persons
with disabilities in the age group of 18 -79 years,and belonging to a household living below
poverty line(BPL) as per Government of India.

National Family Benefit Scheme-

Under this scheme ,earlier a provision of grant Rs 50000 was made in case of natural
of BPL primary bread winner.The dearth of primary bread winner occurring whilst he/she
was in the age group of 18-64 years.In the year 1998,the amount of benefit has been raised to
Rs 10,000 in case of death due to natural causes as well as accidental cause.

Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP):

This programme is run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Under
this programme, grants are given for running and maintenance old age homes, day care
centres, mobile Medicare units, multi-facility care centre for older widows, etc. The main
objectives of the scheme are to improve the quality of life of older persons by providing basic
amenities like shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities, etc. One can visit
these homes and admit old age persons who have nobody to take care of.

RashtriyaVayoshriYojana (RVY)

This scheme is also run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This is a
central sector scheme funded from the Senior Citizen’s Welfare Fund was notified in the year
2016. The estimated outlay of the Scheme is Rs.483.6 crore up to 2019-20. The Scheme will
be implemented in 260 districts and benefits 5,20,000 beneficiaries up to 2019-20. The
beneficiary identification will be done by a committee at the district level headed by the

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district Collector. Till date, the scheme has benefitted over 38,000 beneficiaries against the
target of 5,20,000 by 2019-20

VayoshreshthaSammans

It is a Scheme of National Award for Senior Citizens was launched in 2005 and is
dedicated to senior citizens. The Scheme is funded by the Central government. This Scheme
is applicable for eminent senior citizens and institutes involved in rendering distinguished
services for the cause of elderly persons.

Varishtha Pension BimaYojana (VPBY)

This scheme is run by the Ministry of Finance. It was first launched in 2003 and then
relaunched in 2014. Both are social security schemes for senior citizens intended to give an
assured minimum pension on a guaranteed minimum return on the subscription amount.

The Pradhan MantriVayaVandanaYojana (PNVVY)

This Scheme was launched in May 2017 to provide social security during old age. It is
a simplified version of the VPBY and will be implemented by the life Insurance Corporation
(LIC) of India. The duration of the Scheme will be for a period of ten years and the scheme is
opened for a period of one year. A total number of 1,83,842 persons are being benefited
under PMVVY.

National Program for the Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE)

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare had launched the scheme during 2010-11 to
address various health related problems of elder people. The Centre will bear 75% of the total
budget and the State Government will contribute 25% of the budget, for activities up to
district level.

The U.S elderly populations are growing rapidly which, combined with their high per
capita acute and long-term care needs, will increase total U.S. health care needs. There is
controversy, however, about how those declines relate to the health and function of survivors.

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The total prevalence of U.S. chronically disabled community- dwelling and institutionalized
elderly populations declined from 1982,1984 and 1989, overall, for each of three age strata
and after mortality adjustment. The problem of the age in India by increasing the number of
old age homes in urban areas and expanding pension benefits to include a monthly pension of
about Rs.100 for the poor, helpless elderly in rural areas. There were an estimated 55 million
elderly aged over 60 years in India, or 6.6% of total population, in 1991. The number of
elderly is expected to increase to 76 million, or 7.7% by 2001. In 1991 about 75% of the
elderly lived in rural areas and about 26% lived in urban areas. In Maharashtra, 61% lived in
rural areas and 39% lived in urban areas in 1991. The elderly population in 1981 amounted to
about 4 million people. Several studies revealed that the scheduled castes were poorer, as
were labourers. Only in rural areas of four states was there a favourable sex ratio. 15% in
urban or rural areas had no son, and 8% had no surviving children.

A community- based cross-sectional study was carried out by house to house survey
of all people aged over 60 years in an urban slum and a village in the field practice area of a
teaching hospital. The total elderly population in these two areas was 407, with an almost
equal representation from urban slum and rural areas. Information was collected in a pre-
tested instruments, which has been used earlier in a World Health Organization multicentre
study in India. Categorical variables were summarized by percentages. Associations were
explored with odds ratio and 95% confident intervals. Very old people, due to their reduced
mobility and debilitating disabilities, need other people to do things for them. With the
increasing trend of nuclear families in the society and with fewer children in the family, the
care of older persons in the families gets increasingly difficult. To fulfil caring needs of aged
persons more and more nursing people with appropriate skills are required.

Nobody likes to think themselves as old and elderly often carries the connotation of
dependent. Elderly is an old adjective dating back hundreds of years. It comes from an even
older noun, elder, which is according to oxford English dictionary is “one who lived in
former days.” Smoking is now recognized as a major public health problem also among
elderly. Risk of death among older smokers is higher than among their non-smoking
counterparts. Among the barriers that impact the success of smoking cessation attempts, the
elderly has high rates of nicotine dependence and are more likely to be dealing with life
stresses and social isolation. To face the challenge of aging population, the country needs to
be well prepared. Appropriate social and economic policies need to be made to mitigate its ill

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effects. Social policy development for the elderly needs to be critically examined for society
to be adapt to aging as well as for older population to adapt to a changing society. New
priority must be added to the scarce resources for social programs for elderly, while still
having to deal with the problems of the younger populations. Exacerbated risks for women
across the life course make them more vulnerable in old age. Appropriate care and support
for them is a priority.

LITERATURE REVIEW
Women and men age differently. Both have their concerns. The problems of elderly
women are exacerbated by a lifetime of gender based discrimination, often stemming from
deep-rooted cultural and social bias. It is compounded by other forms of discrimination based
on class, caste, disability, illiteracy, unemployment and marital status. Elderly women and
their problems need special attention as their numbers are likely to increase in the future and,
given the multiple disadvantages they face in life, they are likely to be grossly unprepared to
tackle these issues. [National Policy for Senior Citizens, March 2011]

Relationship strains may occur in relation to family members. Older people may
experience disappointments with regard to their children’s situation in life, especially if it
does not coincide with their own values or desires. Financial hardship and chronic health
problems may create undesired dependency on others as well. [David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D.
Surgeon General U.S. Public Health Service, (2011 January) Older Adults and Mental
Health: Issues and opportunities]

Epidemiology studies indicate that the prevalence of pain among community dwellers
varies between 25% - 56% and among older adults the prevalence of back pain is between
21% - 49%. Musculoskeletal pain (back pain and arthritis), diabetes mellitus and prosthetic
neuralgia have been identified as the primary causes of pain in elderly subjects, and phantom
limbs is the secondary causes in small proportion of individuals. [Dr. Dominic Gerard
Benjamin, (2015) Pain Management in elderly: A challenge to practicing clinicians, Journal
of Rheumatology and clinical Immunology, Vol 3(1)

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 Caregiving or taking care of the elderly improves our self-knowledge and our identity. It
develops potential and renews our self-esteem. It rewards us in ways we cannot see however
providing the basis for our self-development. It also enhances our quality of being humane as
humanity also plays a crucial role in taking care of the elderly. Most people do as it is the
right thing to do. Caring should not only be due to humanity however it should come from
our heart. After all, we are all bound to complete the cycle of life and face the old age, we’d
all want someone to care for us. Caring for the elderly has in itself a reward and pride as Tia
Walker says ‘To care for those who cared for us is one of the highest
honour’[RiiguozenuoSuokhrie, AHS].

Bridget Laging, PhD Candidate, La Trobe University, La Trobe University, (25 th

September 2018) in her article ‘Aged care failures show how little we value older people’,
says how older people are marginalised in society. Older people have expiry date in the
Society but which is not the day they die, but a time when the skills and knowledge are no
longer considered valid or useful. Their value is largely determined by the contributions in
the society. But for many older people, it is difficult to demonstrate because they’re no longer
in the workforce.

Amanda Kenny, Violet Marshman Professor of Rural Health, La Trobe University, (5th
October 2018) in her article, ‘Aged-care system doesn’t care about older people’s emotional
needs’, says that Aged care workers are also undervalued. Residential aged care facilities
fulfil an essential role in the society and yet the recent ethnographic study in two residential
aged care facilities in Victoria shows how this role has been compromised by an under-
skilled, under-valued and overworked aged care workforce.

Rhonda Nay, Emeritus Professor La Trobe University (25th September,2018) in her

research ‘The ultimate responsibility’, says it’s not enough to be shocked by the aged care
scandals uncovered by the media and the decision to appoint a royal commission to
investigate. The contributions and end-of-life of the older people must be made more visible.

Janet M. Lord, Professor of Immune Cell Biology, University of Birmingham (9 th March

2018) in her research, ‘Exercise slow the aging process’, tried to determine how much the
low level of physical activity contributes to the aging of many body system, including
muscle, bone and the immune system. 125 male and female cyclists were examined, aged 55
to 79, who had maintained a high level of cycling throughout most of their adult lives. It was
shown that the cyclists did not lose muscle mass or strength as they aged, and their bones

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only became slightly thinner with age and this can eventually lead to diseases such as
osteoporosis.

Briony Murphy, PhD Candidate, Epidemiology & Forensic Medicine, Monash University
(6th March 2011) in her article ’Start ‘em young’, says that around 140 Australian nursing-
home residents took their own lives between 2000 and 2013. It was found that nearly 70% of
those who took their own life were male, 66% had a diagnosis of depression and nearly 80%
were experiencing one or more major life stresses, such as health deterioration. Around 43%
were experiencing isolation and loneliness, and nearly 30% had trouble adjusting to life in a
nursing home.

Joseph Ibrahim, Professor, Health Law and Aging Research unit, Department of Forensic
Medicine, Monash University (10th April 2013) in his research, ‘The deadly truth about
loneliness’, says there are more than 170,000 older adults living in 2,700 nursing homes
across Australia which equates to around 6% of people aged 65 and older, and represent one
of society’s most vulnerable populations who depends on other for care. Most nursing home
providers strive to provide safety and quality of care and lifestyle for their residents. But it’s
clear the current approach to providing aged care isn’t enough when it comes to preventing
suicides.

Christina Victor, Professor of Gerontology and Public Health, Brunel University London
(10th December 2013) her research, ‘Loneliness and Depression’ says that about one third of
respondents indicate they believe loneliness to be one of the major challenges they face.
Loneliness can be measured in many ways. However, research consistently shows that, at any
one time, about 10% of those aged 60 and over report significant feelings of loneliness, and
that this proportion is largely unchanged since the late 1940’s. The level of loneliness
reported by young adults aged 16-24 is comparable to that for older people- but discussion
about loneliness at Christmas rarely feature young people.

Gillian Leithman, assistant professor of professional business skills and aging, retirement,
and knowledge management researcher, Concordia University says it is one of the many
negative depictions of older people and later life that abound, and which may explain why
many people have such low expectations of our twilight years. Old age is dread rather than
see the opportunity to grow old as a privilege that is a consequence of improvements in

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public health, workplace safety, and access to good food and housing – the lack of which
shortened many lives in the early 20th century.

Eileen Webb, Associate Professor, Curtin Law School, Curtin University (2000) in her
research says that throughout Australia older people are losing their savings, property and
homes through financial abuse, usually at the hands of persons close to them such as an adult
child or grandchild. The majority of elder financial abuse occurs within families, and is
defined as the illegal or improper use of a person’s finances or property by another person
with whom they have a relationship implying trust.

Matthew A. Davis, Assistant Professor, University of Michigan (2004) in his research,

‘Ageism’ highlight the measuring older American’s health. It can be measured in many
different ways. While physical measures such as weight, blood pressure and cholesterol level
are excellent markers, it simply isn’t practical to obtain such information in studies that
include many thousands of subjects. Many research looks at trends in older adults who are
frail or in otherwise poor health. These studies shows that disability rates among older adults
have declined by 1 to 3 percent every year since the 1980’s.

Kenneth Langa, Cyrus Sturgis Professor of Medicine, University of Michigan, (19 th may
2017) in his research, ‘Reality and perception’, says that by 2050, the population of older
adults is expected to nearly double. Older adult’s health will have a significant impact on the
National economy, as they will use more health care resources and may stay in the workforce
longer and the growing divide in health suggests that there are at least two different
Americans. Depending on where an individual sit on the socioeconomic spectrum, he might
expect a different length and quality of life.

Martha T.S. Laham (2014) from her study says there is no universally accepted age that is
considered old among or within societies. Often discrepancies exist as to what age a society
may consider old and what members in that society of the age and older may consider old.
Moreover, biologists are not in agreement about the existence of an inherent biological cause
for aging. Although many countries and societies regard old age as occurring anywhere from
the mid-40’s to the 70’s.

From The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, we see old age in human beings, the final
stage of the normal life span. Definitions of old age are not consistent from the standpoints of
biology, demography and sociology. For statistical and public administrative purposes,
however, old age is frequently defined as 60 or 65 years of age or older. The physiological

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effects of aging differ widely among individuals. Chronic ailments, especially aches and
pains are more prevalent than acute problems than younger people.

W.H.O, 2011, Mental health and Older Adults declare that globally, the population is
ageing rapidly. Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world’s population over 60
years will nearly double, from 12% to 22%. Mental health and emotional well-being are as
important in older age as at any other time of life. Neuropsychiatric disorders among the
older adults account for 6.6% of the total disability (DALYs) for this age group.
Approximately 15% of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder.

1 Socio-economic conditions of elderly:

More than half of the respondent in count on old age scheme which is provided by the
government as they are no longer fit for earning a large amount of money and less than half
of the respondent relied on the family support as some of them were not aware of the scheme,
they don’t know where and when to register themselves. The elderly and even the family
don’t know how and when to resister themselves in the department concern when they reach
the age required for the beneficiaries of the old age scheme so they simply relied on the
family. The least number of the elderly depends on pension scheme as most of them earn
their living by farming and do not work within government services as they were born in
timeswhere farming is given priority more than education.

Even though the elders were taken good care by their family since their age has
increase their health condition declined automatically so sometimes the scheme and support
of the family is not enough for the treatment of their health. During their youth days the
parents wants their kids to help them in their agricultural field so that they will earn their
living. The parents assumed that studying is just a waste of time for them because they can
earn their living rapidly by farming and helping the family so, they do not have pension
scheme to depend on.

5.1.2 Challenges faced by elderly:

Most of the elderly are having problems regarding their health, health issues are
regarded as the highest frequency among the problem faced by the elderly followed by
joblessness and financial problems. Since their health keeps degrading the elderly starts to
have functional problems like eye and hearing problems as well as gout problems.

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 The major causes of the health problems are the result of their lifestyle practices
during their youth such as smoking and drinking liquor. The health issues and increase in age
make them unable to undertake taught work in comparison to their youth. As a result, many
were jobless and face financial problems where Aging is regarded as the highest frequency as
the causes of problems according to the collected data.

Due to their health issues they were jobless and think that they are burdensome for the
family members and sometimes felt lonely and left out. The elderly needs to be respected and
when they are not treated up to their expectations they felt like they were abandon and feel
uneasy with others. According to the data collected disturbance of lifestyle is considered to
be the highest frequency as the effect of the problems.

5.1.3 Coping strategies adopted by elderly:

In Zohnuai Communities most of the respondents talk about the issues with others to
escape from their issues, reading books, have quite time and sleep away with it and some
others plan to move on and forget about it. Most of the respondent get away from their issues
by talking about it with family and friends so that they can continue their usual daily schedule
or lifestyle. Some of the respondent read books, newspapers as well as Bible to overcome
their hardships and since some of the respondent find it hard to adapt themselves in the
present generation so instead of talking with others they enjoy staying in their plot and
worked in order to relieve themselves and refresh their mind. Usually most of the respondent
talk about their problems with others to ventilate their feelings which prevent them from
having stress and anger.

Conclusion
Most of the elderly are having health issues as their age have been increasing. The
decline in their health resulted into inability to do taught works like their youth days. Many
are jobless which cause them financial insecurities and felt like they are trouble for their
family. Elderly often feel lonely in their day to day life but don’t dare to say it out to the
family with the fear of troubling them, even though they receive care and support they need
time with others to chat and share their happiness and even their sorrows so that the feeling of

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left out will be less. Most of the elderly felt they were not respected and treated well by the
younger generations particularly in times of social service the elders felt that they are the one
who work lots and the youth are just observing their work without even trying to help.
Because of those issues many elderlies don’t want to work together with the youth to avoid
self-irritations.

The Elderly sometimes were not provided with recreational programs where they can
refresh or energize themselves, they usually stay at home the whole day which makes them
feel lonely and alone. They also felt that the youth these days were obsesses with their
gadgets which pamper the family atmosphere. If the youth were with their electronic gadgets
they cannot have proper conversation with others and want to spent time alone which makes
their grandparents felt left out and lonely. Because of their hearing problems they felt
reluctant to join the society event or programed and due to the decline in their health
condition they were unable to do taught works and were usually jobless which make them felt
that they are burden for the family.

As most of the respondent are jobless in some families where there are no proper
income family problems befalls as they cannot provide the basic need of the family. Those
issues occur in family where the worker of the family is daily labor and farmer. The family
didn’t acquire their basic needs when the worker in the family got sick or have problems
which stops him or her from working. Most of the elderly in the community does not have a
very good educational qualification due to which they cannot earn a good amount of money
which makes them reluctant to contribute and participate in the community programs.

Disturbance of lifestyle is considered to be the highest frequency among the effects of

challenges faced by the elderly. As the elderly are aging they cannot continue to live as their
normal daily schedule so it disturbs their lifestyle, since they cannot hangout and stay at
home doing nothing much they felt lonely and longed for someone to chat with, someone to
tell their happiness, sorrows and even the story of their life. Since they are aging they started
to have joint problem which makes them difficult to work or go freely as they want.
Particularly during winter, they need to be take care and sometimes need someone to
accompany them in walking. Majority of the respondent talk about with others to ventilate
their feelings and sometimes work in their plot with the aim of getting over with their
hardships.

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Reference:

 National Policy for Senior Citizens, March 2011

 W.H.O, 2011, Mental Health and Older Adults
 Hindu, Times. (2012 October 7) Concernsover an aging India
 David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D. Surgeon General U.S. Public Health Service, (2011
January) Older Adults and Mental Health : Issues and Opportunities.
 Martin Luther Christian University Shillong, Meghalaya
 Riiguozenuo Suokhrie, AHS
 Thebetterindia.com

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