New Delhi scheme targets loneliness with recreation hubs for elderly
Loneliness and lack of recreational activities are major reasons for the decline in the health of the elderly. Realising these crucial factors, the national Capital will soon have novel dedicated spaces for them.
The Delhi Government is going to launch the Vayo Anand scheme soon for the elderly, where centres will be developed for senior citizens to spend their leisure time, play indoor games, meet and interact with one another and engage in social activities. In a statement, the Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s office said these centres will provide senior citizens with facilities such as indoor games including carrom and ludo, seating arrangements, fans, coolers, televisions and computers. Newspapers, magazines and books will also be kept at the centres so that senior citizens can make full use of their leisure time. Yoga and meditation classes will also be organised at these centres.
In addition, the centres will have monthly medical camps and first-aid kits. The Government will provide financial assistance to organisations running such recreational centres. The scheme was allocated Rs 25 crore in the Delhi Budget 2026-27.
According to CM Gupta, senior citizens of Delhi are an invaluable asset to society and that ensuring their dignity, health, active lifestyle and social engagement is a priority of her government. In addition, International Yoga Day, Senior Citizens’ Day and national festivals will be celebrated. At least 5-6 such programmes will be organised at these centres every year. The scheme also provides for monthly medical camps and first-aid kits.
Health and fitness classes, outdoor tours, storytelling sessions, painting, craft, pottery, nutritional counselling, and indoor and outdoor games will also be organised. These recreational centres will remain open for at least five days a week and a minimum of seven hours a day. These centres will operate between 7 am and 8 pm. The centres will have adequate ventilation and toilet facilities. Keeping the convenience of senior citizens in mind, preference will also be given to centres located on the ground floor or in buildings equipped with lifts.
“Priority will also be given to organising programmes for women, persons with disabilities and transgender senior citizens. In addition, the centres will remain in contact with nearby police stations and hospitals for quick assistance in case of an emergency. Under the scheme, recreational centres must have at least 200 members aged 60 years or above,” the CMO said. The CM under the Vayo Anand scheme, eligible recreational centres will receive financial assistance of 2.40 lakh in a financial year, or Rs 20,000 per month.
The amount will be released in two equal half-yearly installments. The assistance will be provided to centres run for senior citizens aged 60 years and above. Operators will have to prioritise providing all the arrangements and facilities mentioned above at their centres. Such centres must be located in Delhi and operate from community spaces.
The scheme may also cover centres operating through RWAs, CGHS and community spaces such as chaupals. The centres will be established in Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board rain baseras, night shelters and Municipal Corporation of Delhi community halls across the city.
In areas lacking indoor facilities, they will be set up in parks and traditional ‘choupals’, ensuring wider accessibility.
“The objective of the Vayo Anand scheme is to provide senior citizens with a safe and convenient place close to their homes where they can spend time with people of their age group, participate in recreational and health-related activities, stay away from loneliness and lead an active social life. The government is committed to strengthening such arrangements in the interest of senior citizens so that they can have a better environment for a dignified and healthy life,” it said.
