A SOCIAL PERSPECTIVE ON LAW AND POLICY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN THE PRESENT SCENARIO

Abstract

Caring for the old: On the United Nations Population Fund’s India Ageing Report 2023[1]; India’s elderly population to double by 2050, surpassing number of children[2], are some of the news articles that are circulating with a cautionary note on the rapid rise of old age population and its effects on society.

A perusal of these stories reveals a concerning rise in the number of senior citizens, with one in five people predicted to reach the status of a senior citizen.

The UN has noted that the worldwide trend of population ageing is irreversible. Globally, the population of 65 years or older is expected to more than double by 2050. The population that is 80 years of age or older is ageing much more quickly.

With an alarming increase globally, it may be argued that the exceeding increase will have consequences in the sectors of health, economy, and society.

To handle this situation, it is essential that this population has access to their basic rights and necessities.

The paper aims to study the law and policy for senior citizens in the present scenario. It sets the backdrop with a review of the factors that contribute to the isolation of senior citizens, followed by a statistical analysis of their demographics. The problems faced by senior citizens are mentioned and the measures to dealing with the aforementioned are discussed in the form of public policies, legislations and constitutional provisions and its implementation through observations of recent judgements.

[1] Editorial, ‘Caring for the old: On the United Nations Population Fund’s India Ageing Report 2023’ The Hindu (29 September 2023) < https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/caring-for-the-old-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-united-nations-population-funds-india-ageing-report-2023/article67357816.ece> accessed 18 December 2023

[2] Livemint, ‘India's elderly population to double by 2050, surpassing number of children, warns report’ Mint (28 September 2023) < https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indias-elderly-population-to-double-by-2050-surpassing-number-of-children-warns-report-11695865492972.html> accessed 16 December 2023