What’s in the news?

• A national survey carried out by HelpAge India, a not-for-profit organization in India, has shown that 47% of elderly people are economically dependent on their families for income and 34% relied on pensions and cash transfers.
• The survey, released by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, revealed that 40% of the surveyed people have expressed a desire to work as long as possible, highlighting the need to pay greater attention to social security of senior citizens in the country.
• The report was based on a survey conducted by the non-governmental organisation with the involvement of 4,399 senior citizens and 2,200 caregivers across 22 cities.
• The report said that 52% of the elderly surveyed reported inadequate income; 40% said they did not feel financially secure; 57% said their expenditure was in excess of their savings; and 45% said the pension amount was not enough for survival.
• This suggests both financial planning for later years and social security needs much greater attention. 
• One good news is that 87% elders reported there is availability of healthcare facilities nearby, however 78% elders mentioned unavailability of app-based online healthcare facilities and a significant 67% elderly reported they do not have any health insurance at this critical stage in their lives and only 13% are covered under government insurance schemes.
• The report highlighted the way elder abuse is perceived and reported — 59% of elders felt that elder abuse was prevalent in society, but 10% reported being victims themselves.

Reference

https://www.governancenow.com/news/regular-story/70-of-indias-elderly-depend-on-family-or-pension-for-daytoday-maintenance-helpage-report