GS-2:Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes;

In News: India’s ‘silver dividend’, challenge to opportunity

What comprehensive reforms can be implemented to address the challenges faced by the elderly population in India particularly in terms of healthcare consumption, financial security, and digital inclusion?

India’s elderly population, currently estimated at around 140 million, faces substantial health challenges. To effectively address these challenges, comprehensive reforms should focus on enhancing healthcare consumption, ensuring financial security, and promoting digital inclusion.

Healthcare consumption

1. Universal Healthcare Coverage: Expanding healthcare coverage to include all elderly individuals, regardless of income or employment status.Increasing coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) to include non-medical and at-home care services for the elderly
2. Strengthen healthcare infrastructure: Improve the existing healthcare facilities under the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) and ensure that they are equipped to handle geriatric care effectively
3. Telemedicine and home healthcare: Promoting telemedicine and home healthcare services to enhance accessibility and reduce the burden on elderly individuals.
4. Preventive healthcare: Focusing on preventive healthcare measures, such as regular checkups, screenings, and health education programs, to minimise chronic diseases and improve quality of life.
5. Elderly-friendly infrastructure: Ensuring that healthcare facilities, transportation, and public spaces are accessible and accommodating to the needs of the elderly.

Financial security

1. Social security nets: Strengthening social security nets, such as pensions, retirement savings plans, and healthcare insurance, to provide financial stability for the elderly.
2. Reverse mortgage schemes: Promoting reverse mortgage schemes to allow elderly individuals to monetize their home equity without selling it.
3. Financial literacy Programs: Conducting financial literacy programs to educate the elderly about investment options, fraud prevention, and retirement planning.
4. Age-discriminatory employment practices: Addressing age-discriminatory employment practices to enable older individuals to remain in the workforce longer and maintain financial independence.
5. Increase legal protections: Strengthening laws under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act to protect against abuse and ensure maintenance rights are upheld

Digital inclusion

1. Digital literacy programs: Providing digital literacy training to equip the elderly with the skills to use technology effectively.
2. Elderly-friendly technology: Developing and promoting technology that is user-friendly and accessible to the elderly, such as larger screens, voice commands, and simplified interfaces.
3. Digital infrastructure: Ensuring that digital infrastructure, such as internet connectivity and digital devices, is accessible and affordable to the elderly.
4. Digital support services: Establishing digital support services to assist the elderly in navigating online platforms and using digital tools.

By implementing these comprehensive reforms, India can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for its elderly population, ensuring their well-being, financial security, and active participation in society.

PYQ

1. In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. 2020

Source:https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/indias-silver-dividend-challenge-to-opportunity/article68702476.ece