World Senior Citizen’s Day is annually celebrated across the globe on August 21 to acknowledge the contributions of elderly people in human society and honour them.
- The day also recognises the senior citizens’ contributions in advancing the world by working as professionals and entrepreneurs throughout the course of their life.
Background:
i.The observance of the World Senior citizen’s Day was started in 1988, when the United States President Ronald Raegan signed the promulgation of 5847 declaring the 21st August of Every year as the National Senior Citizens Day. The promulgation of 5847 signed on 19th August 1988, appeared on 21st August 1988 as “National Day of the Third Age.
- In 1990, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution declaring 1st October International Day of Older Persons.
Who are senior citizens?
The term senior citizen is generally used to refer to those who are 60 years old or older than that.
Significance:
i.The purpose of World Senior Citizens Day is to celebrate and appreciate senior citizens for their services, accomplishments, and dedication they have given in their lives.
Government initiatives:
About Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC):
i.The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
ii.The grants in aid are provided for running and maintenance of Senior Citizens Homes/ Continuous Care Homes, Mobile Medicare Units etc. to the Implementing Agencies (IAs) such as Registered Societies/ Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) / Local bodies; Non-Governmental/Voluntary Organizations.
About Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY):
The scheme provides Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior citizens belonging to the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category.
About Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY):
The scheme aims to provide social security during old age. It also protects elderly persons aged 60 and above against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions.
About Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana(AVYAY):
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is the nodal ministry of the scheme.
Sub Schemes/Components:
1.Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC)
2.State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC),
3.Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana(RVY),
4.Senior Able Citizens for Re-employment in Dignity(SACRED),
5.Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction (AGRASR),
6.Senior-care Aging Growth Engine (SAGE)-Silver economy for Senior Citizens,
7.Elderline – National Helpline for Senior Citizen,
8.Channelizing the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) fund for elderly care
9.Training and capacity building for senior citizens.
Vayoshreshtha Samman:
It is a National award, given to eminent senior citizens & institutions under various categories for their contributions on International day of Older Persons on 1st October.
- Helpline for Senior Citizens on Toll free number 14567 namely ‘Elderline’
