HelpAge India continues to highlight concerns of disadvantaged elderly groups, especially the rural poor & older women, calling for greater focus on building long-term care (LTC) systems, stronger health and income security, and measures to bridge the growing digital divide. 

“Elders need specialized geriatric care rooted in dignity and compassion. For those battling life-limiting illnesses especially the rural poor, the support and care outside hospitals, at their homes or communities is often left unaddressed leading to immense suffering. While policies already recognize Palliative Care under NHM, NPHCE & Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) program (included as one of the 12 essential services package), a national mission approach with dedicated resources and timelines is urgently required to fully operationalize this. We also urge financial support under PM‑JAY for home‑based palliative and caregiving services through registered providers” says Rohit Prasad, CEO, HelpAge India.

Recognizing government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the social protection umbrella in the country, HelpAge called for reviewing the current old age pension for needy elderly and setting up a minimum floor for universal old age pension across the country at Rs.3000 per person for eligible beneficiaries. Currently, the pension amount is financed through a mix of Centre & State government contribution, which leads to varying amounts across the states, ranging between Rs.500-1500-2000 on an average, with some states giving higher amount. 

“Just as the Government took a bold step by guaranteeing a national minimum for hospitalisation coverage under PM-JAY - now extended to all 70+ elders in a pioneering move - we need a similar national floor for old-age pensions. A minimum monthly pension of Rs. 3,000 for eligible seniors, with prioritisation for older women and the 80+, indexed to inflation, would provide basic and dignified income security and bring uniformity across states.” says Prasad.

Highlighting the growing instances of cyber-crime against the elderly, Prasad said “Digital access cannot come at the cost of digital vulnerability. Older persons are disproportionately targeted by cyber fraud, causing not only enormous financial loss and emotional trauma, but also undermining confidence in digital banking and services. We urge a national initiative on cyber-safety for seniors - combining public awareness with stronger safeguards and alert systems within banks and digital platforms” 

Meanwhile, Ms. Anupama Datta, Head – Policy, Research & Development, HelpAge India, emphasized, “Older women face the greatest vulnerabilities - longer life expectancy, lower income security and higher caregiving burdens. They must be recognised as a priority group across ministries, with targeted support in health, care, livelihoods and digital literacy.”

From the preventive health focus approach perspective Datta added, “Section 80D in the old tax regime served an important purpose beyond tax relief - it encouraged families to invest in health insurance and preventive check-ups for themselves and older parents. With rising NCDs, high health expenses and hospitalisation risks particularly among the elderly, we urge the government to restore 80D under the new regime or introduce an equivalent scheme to boost health insurance and strengthen preventive health behaviour.”