Authors: Hritika Chauhan
Abstract: India is undergoing a profound demographic shift, with the proportion of senior citizens (aged 60 and above) steadily rising due to increased life expectancy and declining fertility rates. This research paper explores the socio-economic implications of India’s aging population, with a specific focus on social support structures and policy interventions aimed at elderly care. Drawing on secondary data from census reports, government policy documents, international organizations such as the UNFPA and WHO, and peer-reviewed scholarly sources, the study critically examines the current landscape of eldercare in India.It identifies key elements of support, including familial and community care systems, institutional frameworks, and digital initiatives. Simultaneously, the paper evaluates major national policies such as the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (2007), National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE), and various pension schemes. Findings reveal that while several welfare mechanisms exist, implementation gaps, regional disparities, and inadequate infrastructure limit their effectiveness. Additionally, challenges such as elder abuse, digital exclusion, and economic insecurity remain significant barriers to comprehensive elderly well-being. The study highlights the urgent need for integrated, inclusive, and sustainable policy frameworks that combine health, financial security, social inclusion, and community care. These interventions must also consider India's socio-cultural diversity and urban–rural divide. In doing so, this paper contributes to the discourse on geriatric welfare in India and recommends pathways for policy reform and public sector accountability to address the evolving needs of an aging nation.
