Page 27 - Seniors Today -April20
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on their own in the sunset phase.
The breakdown of the joint family,
particularly in urban areas, is an aggravation
for the elders while the rural elders still
have some solace from it. Several cases have
been reported of elders’ abandonment, ill-
treatment, destitution, etc. The few outlier
exceptions of elder independence, monetary
or otherwise, are a matter of good fortune
At the end of the day, you have had your place under the
sun in your prime
Waking up to reality
As a society, the government and civil society home care to elders also help the elders
are waking up to the reality of elder care. The in leading an assured stress-free life and
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment more importantly a psychological booster
is doing its bit, albeit a pittance of Rs 200 to of feeling cared for. The country is dotted
Rs 500 monthly doles to BPL elders, based with old-age homes, run by charities and
on advanced age. Lower tax rates, higher missions, which take care of elders who have
exemption levels and special high-interest been abandoned or are in their terminal
deposit interest rates (elders also get 0.50% stage. Digital connectivity and social media
extra interest from all banks) are some help the outstation family stay in touch with
important reprieves for the elders sustaining their elders, adding to a degree of comfort
themselves on meagre pensions (save for
government and PSU retirees and of course Altering perspectives
sinecured politicians who live a comfortable While our government is gradually and
sunset life) and interest income. proactively taking steps and building
Several NGOs focusing on geriatric and capacities in that direction and the civil
elders, across the length and breadth, society and NGOs are doing their best, there
are doing their bit for elder care, albeit is a need for the senior citizens as well to
penetration and impact is very low. alter their own world view and perspectives.
Concessions in travel costs, elder friendly Let us address it from four different angles.
public infrastructure, Varishta Mediclaim 1) Psychological – Preparing ourselves for
Policy for elders in the age group of 60 to our retirement phase is a crucial aspect. All
80, LIC Varishta Bima Yojana guaranteeing of us have been relating our importance in
a return of 8% for 10 years, senior citizen the grihastashram phase (family/working
housing colonies, registration of all elders life) to our job, position, chair and earnings.
at local police stations, enactment of laws Without these appendages of power and
making ill treatment of parents a cognizable identity, we find it difficult to accept our
offence and mandating of state governments situation and subconsciously devalue
to establish at least one old age home in each ourselves. Retirement from active life (it is
district and similar conducive developments a matter of detail if it is 60 or 65 or 75) is an
have all provided some mental, physical and inevitability and we have no option but to
psychological succour to the senior citizens. accept that.
Several on-line portals and start-ups offering Vanaprastha stage (or the retirement phase
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #10 | APRIL 2020 27
