Welfare of elderly people still remains a challenge in many States, particularly in Odisha. Study reports by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reveal some startling facts about the status of elderly populace in Odisha. As per 2011 Census, against the national average of 8.5 per cent Odisha has 3.98 million elderly persons aged 60 years and above, constituting 9.5 per cent of the total population. Out of them, around 86 per cent of the elderly live in rural areas.
Financial and social status of most of the elderly persons becomes vulnerable due to assorted reasons. Abused, tortured and neglected, 4 to 5 per cent elders are financially dependent on others. Pension or retirement benefits are not available to over 95 per cent of the elderly. living in destitute, more than 50 per cent of the rural elders are bound to work in old age.
Over 68.5 per cent elderly have income Rs1, 000 per month or less and hence, live below poverty line (BPl) category where as 27 per cent elderly have Rs12, 000 or less. Earning of 13 per cent elderly is limited to Rs12,000 to Rs24,000 per month. Only 14 per cent elderly earns Rs24,000 to Rs50,000 per month and 6 per cent elderly have more than Rs50,000 income to lead a financially stable old age. This financial instability affects old age health problems. Healthcare of BPl elderly provided by NPHCE under NRHM in selected areas is yet to be fully developed and functional. The coverage of RSBY benefits among the elderly is almost nil in the State. Rs300 given as Old Age Pension (OAP) is not enough to support even basic needs of old age. Apart from financial stability and health, increasing attacks on senior citizens have raised concerns over security. As per a study, 80 per cent elderly persons face negligence and abuse in family that make them vulnerable, not only financially or physically, but also psychologically.
The study also suggests that policy and programme interventions should consider various dimensions of vulnerability which are being faced by the elderly in the State such as poverty, economic compulsion to work, widowhood, high level of dependency, age related morbidity and high health care costs. Income insecurity and a high degree of dependency result in significant vulnerability among the elderly in general and elderly women in particular given the high proportion of widows in the State. Measures to improve the coverage of social security schemes to all elderly from BPl households and reduce the financial burden of healthcare will make a difference in the lives of the elderly.
Considering enormity of the situation, the Government of Odisha has declared to frame a special policy and formation of a special department to address socio-economic and geriatric concerns of elderly people. However, there is inordinate delay in issue of the notification to make it fully functional. Though there are some old age support schemes and programmes being implemented as per the provisions of National Policy for Older Persons (NPOP) 1999 and MWPSCA, 2007, the State still awaits formulation of old age policy, although the State old age pension scheme was introduced in 1975. Social security schemes are coordinated and implemented by the Women and Child Welfare Department.
A State policy for senior citizen has been a long time demand by HelpAge India and Senior Citizen Associations in the State. “The population of senior citizens is on rise, about 10 per cent of the population. The system needs to be in place to cater to the needs of senior citizens towards a life with dignity and care. let’s look at them as experience rich resources than mere burdens and this small change in thought can bring in revolution in the society and in the lives of elder generation,” suggests Bharti Chakra who heads State unit of NGO HelpAge India, working for the elderly.