Aging & Society: Eighth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

The global phenomenon of demographic aging influences societies and brings with it new challenges. In India, older people constitute one of the fastest growing demographics. Indian cultural norms demand that children support their aged parents. However there is gradual shift in this trend owing to declining fertility, urbanisation, and contemporary lifestyles. The chief legislation deliberating on the ‘maintenance’ of the elderly is the ‘Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act’. The act is incomprehensive and is oblivious to many crucial issues. The Indian government has launched various schemes and policies for tackling their peculiar vulnerabilities. A critical evaluation of these polices is the need of the hour so as to evaluate how far they have been successful in safeguarding their interests. The legal and policy structure fail to see the aging population as a heterogeneous group and treats every aged person (rural, urban, poor, employed, women, etc.) in a similar fashion, which is extremely problematic. The present study critiques the legal and policy framework prevailing in India for the elderly. Evaluation is done on four parameters: maintenance, employment, healthcare and general well being. Further, an in depth analysis of the situation of older women as a vulnerable cohort will be explored. Considering the differences in the cultural set up, it will be deliberated as to whether India can learn anything from Japanese policies? Lastly, the paper argues the imperativeness of measures for social security, re-employment, improvements in geriatric services and a better general quality of life.