Care & aid, elderly voters seek dignified ‘2nd innings’

The challenge of stepping out to reach the polling booth notwithstanding, senior citizens, left to the care and concern of family in particular and society in general expect but only a few amenities, facilities and aid for their ease of living from the govt.

Of the 60,000-odd citizens of the state capital in the 80 years and above age group, TOI spoke to some, asking them to articulate these expectations and to gauge how govts present and past have fared in delivering this basic right of the elderly.

“It is about priorities. Govt spends thousands of crores on big projects. It can also establish a good old-age home where the elderly can choose to live at their own will. Govt gives subsidy on land for businesses, it can very well do that for setting up such facilities,” says BC Gupta, a 94-year-old doctor, who had a tough time finding a decent old-age home in Lucknow recently. A voracious reader and a compulsive writer, Gupta says he yearns for a circle where he can share his love for art.

Besides old-age homes, recreational centres/clubs, parks and community centres, the elderly feel there should be dedicated govt helpline numbers where they can connect to get their issues resolved.
“Broadly, we need a right policy push to help create a benevolent society which could ensure a dignified living to the elderly, especially the octogenarians,” he said.

Govt data shows that the population of 60 years and above has more than tripled in India in the past 50 years. Further estimates reveal that the country expects 19% of its population, (30 crore), to be above 60 years of age by 2050.

This increase has to be read with a major social churning underway where the concentration of good jobs in a few select cities in India is precipitating the rise of micro-families with elderly people left behind to live alone and grapple with isolation. Many may not even need oldage homes, but they do feel the need for elderly care facilities that can help them with basic errands like banking, mobility to market and public places, and occasional social engagement to avert depression tightening its grip on their mental state.

“My son is abroad, so he cannot fly down frequently. I have a car but can’t drive at this age. Cab services only pick and drop from point to point but no assistance beyond that. So, if there is any trusted govtbacked system where we can just call and get someone to help us get basic things done or go out occasionally that would help,” says 81-yearold Veera.

The elderly also shared that their mental health takes a nosedive as their social interactions exceedingly narrow down to mobility issues in old age. Recreational clubs, well-maintained public parks in every locality, and community centres in proximity would alleviate their struggles.

“The walkways in parks are always broken and we shudder to walk there because a slight twist in the ankle could be lethal for us in this age. Also, rash driving discourages us from walking on roads. The administration and RWAs should ensure parks are properly maintained and that people are sensitive towards the elderly,” pointed out 84-year-old AK Gupta.

Insufficient healthcare and domestic abuse are also a concern needing attention. “I have been falling ill very frequently. My son takes me to the doctor but he is always busy with work and struggles with finances. More clinics in city areas would be a blessing for people like us,” said 78-year-old Anwari Bani, who lives in one of the slums in Adarsh Nagar.

“While the Constitution makes it incumbent on the state to make provision for public assistance in old age, it has been relegated to piecemeal incentives like pension or relaxation in railways tickets (which also has been withdrawn),” Bani said.

Last year, NITI Aayog announced that it is firming up a policy prescription for enhancing elderly care in the country with a focus on public-private partnerships to set up old-age homes, convergence of existing schemes related to the elderly, and pitching for higher resources to be allocated to the sector to significantly ramp up care for senior citizens.

(With inputs from Godhooli Sharma)