The least noticed of the destitute in India are the elderly. Millions of elderly in India are trapped in misery through a combination of low income and poor health.

The traditional support structure of the family is increasingly unable to cope with the problem. In a world where the joint family is breaking down, and children are unable to take care of their parents, millions of elderly face destitution. The emerging demographic profile and socio-economic scenario of the country indicate that matters will worsen dramatically in the years to come.

While there is a need to initiate poverty alleviation programs designed to support the elderly, the gigantic dimensions of the problem defy an easy solution. The steady elongation of life expectancy and declining birth rates are inexorably taking us towards an India where there will be such a large number of aged persons, that a poverty alleviation programme, which aims to pay even a modest subsidy would require a staggering expenditure much beyond the capacity of the government.

In this situation, the Government realises that poverty alleviation programmes directed at the aged alone cannot provide a complete solution to the problem. Faced with such large numbers, it is apparent that the problem will have to be addressed through thrift and self-help, where people prepare for old age by savings accumulating through their decades in the labour force. The role that the Government can play in this enterprise is to create an institutional infrastructure to enable and encourage each citizen to undertake this task.

Application for Old Age Pension Checklist for Old Age pension

For more information, click Old Age Social & Income Security


There are two types of Old Age Homes in India. One is the "Free" type which cares for the destitute old people who have no one else to care for them. They are given shelter, food, clothing and medical care.

The second type is the "Paid" home where care is provided for a fee. Nowadays, such "Retirement" homes have become very popular in India and they are well worth considering.

For more information, click Senior Indian Homes.

Udayan, Bhatpara

Founded by Reverend John Gregory Stevens in 1970, Udayan is a purely secular voluntary organization working solely for the uplift and rehabilitation of the children of leprosy sufferers. Currently Udayan has about 3000 children in its care, who born unhygienic conditions of leprosy colonies. In Udayan, they receive education, food, clothing, medical care, recreational facilities and vocational training, far, different from the surroundings, where they were badly neglected and deprived from healthy upbringing. Udayan experiences the patronage of many celebrities like Dominique Lapierre (the famous French author and social worker) and Steve Waugh (former captain of the Australian cricket team) for fund raising especially from Europe and United States. Steve Waugh was instrumental in raising financial support for the girl's complex along the existing lines of Udayan.

For more Information Click