old age

Currently, 11% of India's elderly live alone or with non-relatives. By 2025, it is estimated that 25% of those over 60 and 40% of those over 75 are likely to be living alone. Even if they live together, the elderly are overwhelmed by the new concepts of time and space, and as per the response of the survey are still suffering from loneliness.


We voice the needs of India's 90 million (current estimate) "grey" population, and directly impact the lives of lakhs of elders through our services every year.
  • We advocate with national & local government to bring about policy that is beneficial to the elderly.
  • We make society aware of the concerns of the aged and promote better understanding of ageing issues.
  • We help the elderly become aware of their own rights so that they get their due and are able to play an active role in society.
          

Why do the Aged need Help?



There are 90 m (current estimate) older people in India
  • We advocate with national & local government to bring about policy that is beneficial to the elderly.
  • We make society aware of issues concerning the aged and promote better understanding of them.
  • We help the elderly be aware of their rights and provide access to them.


Health Insurance for Older People


As the collective voice of India's grey population, HelpAge would like to see certain modifications in the health insurance sector to bring about parity for the elderly. We have made the following recommendations to the government:
Social Pension cum Health Insurance
At present social pensions are allocated at Rs 200 a month for older citizens below the poverty line. It is requested from the Government that an increased sum of Rs 50 per month be added towards health insurance and paid to GIC or NIC so that senior citizens in the lower economic strata can be covered for universal health insurance. This will help provide both social and health security for the poor elderly.
Health Insurance for other socio economic segments
Improve present Health Insurance Schemes as per the requirements of the senior citizens to offer whole life coverage and no bar on entry age.