Celebrating World Senior Citizen’s Day! Learn about its significance and history!

It is amazing to see a person grow from a baby to an older adult, going through all the different stages and changes that come with aging.

However, just as infants are praised for their achievements, even if it is a small step like walking, older adults should be praised for the resilience and wisdom they have accumulated over the years.

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Therefore, former U.S. President Ronald Reagan declared August 21 as National Senior Citizens Day to honor and recognize the contributions and achievements of older adults to society.

Why celebrate World Day of Older Persons?

World Older Persons Day is celebrated to thank older persons for their service, achievements and dedication in life.

Its history can be traced back to 1988, when Ronald Reagan signed Executive Order 5847, officially declaring August 21 as National Senior Citizens Day in the United States.

Since then, countries around the world have established similar days to commemorate and recognize the contributions of older people.

The significance and importance of World Day for Older Persons

World Older Persons Day is celebrated every year on August 21 to draw global attention to the issues faced by older people. With India’s ageing population growing rapidly, the day will assume special significance in 2024.

According to a July 2020 report, India’s elderly population is expected to reach 193.4 million by 2031. This is a huge increase from the 103.8 million seniors counted in the 2011 census, when seniors made up 8.6% of the population. This growth highlights the need to focus on healthcare, financial security, and social support for the elderly.

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In response to these changes, the Indian government has launched several programs to improve the well-being of older adults. These actions reflect a growing recognition of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by an aging population.

Major schemes and programs implemented by the Government of India:

1. Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY): Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment:

Integrated Program for Seniors (IPSrC):

• A nursing home set up for 25 extremely poor elderly people.
• Nursing home for 50 elderly women (including SAGY facilities).
• A residential facility that provides continuing care for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
• Provide mobile medical services to rural and backward areas.
• Physiotherapy clinic for elderly people.
• The Regional Resource and Training Centre (RRTC) provides technical support and training.

2. National Action Plan for Older People (SAPSrC):

• Work with state and Utah governments to develop and implement a national program for senior citizen benefits.

3. Rastriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY):

• Provide physical assistive devices and assisted living equipment to the elderly, especially those below the poverty line.

4. Livelihood and skills training programmes for the elderly:

• Society for Able-bodied Citizens Reemployment with Dignity for Older Adults (SACRED): Portal for reemployment opportunities for older adults.
• Action Groups for Social Reconstruction (AGRASR Groups): Elderly Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

5. Promote the silver economy:

• Provide financial assistance of up to Rs 1 crore to entrepreneurs to create innovative solutions for elderly care.

6. Guide corporate social responsibility funds to be used for elderly care services:

• Use of CSR funds to provide services to old age homes, day care centres etc. as per the provisions of the Seventh Schedule to the Companies Act.

7. Awareness raising and capacity building programmes:

• The national Elderline helpline is free on 14567.
• Awareness-raising, sensitization and capacity-building initiatives.

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8. National Social Assistance Program (NSAP): Ministry of Rural Development

• Provide financial assistance to senior citizens, widows and disabled persons below the poverty line.
• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Provides monthly pension to senior citizens aged 60-79 years.
• Indira Gandhi National Pension Scheme for Persons with Disabilities (IGNDPS): Provides monthly pension to persons with severe disabilities.

9. National Programme for Healthcare of the Elderly (NPHCE): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

• Provide primary, secondary and advanced comprehensive medical and health facilities for the elderly.

10. Attar Pension Plan (APY): Ministry of Finance

• Provide a guaranteed pension to all citizens aged 60 and above, especially the poor and informal sector workers.

11. Programmes under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

• Model Building Rules (MBBL) 2016: Prescribes standards for age-friendly, barrier-free environments.
• Urban Bus Specifications-II, 2013: Focuses on elderly-friendly public transport with low-floor buses and space for wheelchairs.
• Universal Housing Scheme/Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Allotment of ground floor or lower floor housing to senior citizens is given priority.
• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM): Aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability, including providing shelter to urban homeless persons, irrespective of age.

What challenges do older people face?

Older adults face many challenges that can affect their quality of life and overall well-being. Here are some of these challenges:

1. Healthcare access and quality

Elderly people often have difficulty accessing medical care due to limited mobility, transportation, and financial constraints. Additionally, there may be a shortage of geriatric specialists and age-appropriate care facilities, making it even more difficult for older people to get the care they need.

2. Economic security

Many older adults face financial instability due to insufficient retirement savings, limited pension benefits, or rising living costs. This economic uncertainty can make it difficult for them to meet basic needs such as housing, food, and health care, affecting their overall quality of life.

3. Social Isolation

As people age, they may feel increasingly isolated due to factors such as retirement, loss of friends and family, and physical limitations. This sense of isolation can lead to loneliness and depression, which can have a serious impact on their mental and emotional health.

4. Elder Abuse

Elder abuse, including physical, emotional and financial abuse, is a serious problem that affects many older people. Vulnerable older people may be abused by caregivers, family members or others, which can have serious consequences for their health and safety.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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