CHANGING SOCIAL STATUS OF ELDERLY – AN INDIAN SCENARIO

As population ageing is much faster in developing countries than the developed countries in which India too is experiencing this changing trend as a major demographic phenomenon. This changing proportion of population from young to an older age structure though reflects a positive picture in the health sector of the country. But at the same time the unprecedented number of older people and decreasing proportion of children with varying degree of needs and resources is likely to pose a major challenge in the future indicating higher levels of old age dependency. This changing status is very much experienced by elderly women residing in rural areas, women with lower literacy levels, and among dependent women. As right to life and right to live with dignity is a basic human right therefore elderly rights and obligations has to be fulfilled not only by the family members but also by the nation. Though there are various social welfare schemes, policies and programmes both at state level and national level the life of majority of the elderly are at risk for their basic livelihood. Therefore, this paper attempts to highlight the social life of elderly and the means through which the life of the elderly can be enhanced through a human rights perspective