In India, the population of senior adults has been steadily increasing. From 1.98 crore in 1951 to 7.6 crore in 2001 and 10.38 crore in 2011, the number of senior people has increased dramatically. According to the Technical Group on Population Projections for India and States (2011-2036), the population of senior citizens in India is expected to grow from 10.38 crore in 2011 to 23 crore in 2036, according to a report submitted to the National Commission on Population, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. India’s total population is expected to rise from 121.10 million in 2011 to 152.20 million in 2036. As a result, the proportion of senior persons in the population is predicted to rise from 8.4% to 14.9 percent.
By incorporating all of the above stakeholders, the challenge is to design ways for Senior Citizens across the country to live actively engaged, self-reliant, and productive lives with dignity. – a) Senior citizens and their unpaid informal caregivers/families in the community. b) Formal Care-Givers (paid) c) Government- be it in Elderly Care or Social Welfare departments, Health or State Government in general, especially people at grass-roots/ cutting edge level d) Care Institutions e) Health care Institutions f) Local Bodies/ Corporates g) Non-Profit or Non-Governmental Associations h) Think Tanks.
The Scheme’s Justification
This Scheme encapsulates the Government of India’s vision, mission, and immediate plan of action for the welfare and well-being of the country’s elderly citizens in a single document. The initiative has taken into account all of the concerns that affect older people in order to ensure that they are not left behind and may enjoy a long and healthy life. It connects the dots between present schemes, future strategic goals, and targets, as well as schemes/programs, accountability, financials, and concrete outcomes.
Perception
Senior citizens live in a society where they are healthy, happy, empowered, dignified, and self-reliant, with strong social and intergenerational bonds.
Mission
Building an envisioned society by providing adequate food, water, shelter, clothing, health care, financial and social security, recreation, required opportunities, and resources for self-fulfillment and empowerment to all Indian senior citizens through the development of a formal and informal social support system.
Furthermore, by raising public awareness about the government’s laws and policies, people’s attitudes will change, resulting in an enlightened society in which senior citizens are able to live active, protected, and productive lives while strengthening intergenerational bonds through easy access to reliable information, opportunities, and social support services.
The Scheme’s 3 Developmental Objectives/Goals
The NAPSrC’s development goals are to work on the following components in order to achieve the scheme’s vision and mission:
1) Financial stability
2) Medical and nutritional care
3) Housing and Welfare
4) Protection of senior citizens’ lives and property
5) Intergenerational Bonding and Skill Development for Active and Productive Aging
6) Accessibility, transportation, and an atmosphere that is age-friendly
7) Raising awareness and building capacity
8) Silver Economy Promotion: Senior-Friendly Industrial Goods and Services
9) Research and Study
10) Project Management