Lifespan is increasing, but right to dignity is elusive

Indians, on an average, are living longer, with a projection of 198 million people of the age group 60+ by 2030. Article 41, a Directive principle of state policy, directs states to make effective provisioning to secure right of public assistance in old age while the Constitution guarantees the right to equality and right to live with dignity. The National policy for senior citizens, 2011 emphasises the role of the state for preventive, curative and rehabilitative healthcare services while social security is a concurrent responsibility of Centre and state.

Inspite of these guarantees, many elderly in India lead precarious lives depending on others for basic facilities. Many are compelled to seek employment to sustain their day to day needs and can be subjected to physical and psychological abuse. If the elderly are also from marginalised communities like dalits, daily wage workers, transgender, disabled, living with stigmatizing diseases etc. their lives are particularly undignified, with women in all groups being at more risk. In urban areas, it is not rare to find the elderly doing street vending or even begging. Recently in India, linking the pension scheme of the non-formal sector workers to the Aadhar has made many people lose out even the measly pension they get from the government. 

The elderly have a higher risk of malnutrition, mental illness, disability and non-communicable diseases, which can be chronic and multiple in nature, and consequent loss of autonomy. 

With 93% of India’s workforce being from the informal sector, their livelihoods are precarious and often hazardous. It is the responsibility of the state to ensure good quality healthcare that is accessible, comprehensive and universal, foregrounding the special needs of the elderly. 

Mobile health services, special camps and ambulance services are particularly useful for the elderly who find it difficult to negotiate long distances.