Challenges and Crises for the Elderly Population in India: A Psycho-legal Understanding

Page: 333-337
Rupal and Monika Rikhi (Department of Applied Psychology, Sri Aurobindo College (Evening), University of Delhi, Delhi)

Ageing is a natural process and universal phenomenon. The world’s population is ageing, and every country, including India, is seeing an increase in their geraitric population. Approximately 10.1 percent of India’s population is over the age of 60. This shift in demographics carries with it a plethora of new challenges to which our country must immediately adapt. The fundamental purpose of this research paper is to gain an understanding of the issues and challenges faced by the geriatric population in India through a psycho-legal perspective. The issues that have been taken into consideration include physiological, economic, social and psychological problems. It also gives a rundown of a variety of government and non-government programmes and initiatives focused at aiding senior citizens. The paper addresses legal structures and how they contribute to the elderly population’s well-being. The study concludes with recommendations that could be a useful next step forward, keeping in mind the importance of immediate action on the part of the government, NGO’s, researchers and the community.