Senior Citizen Welfare Schemes: From free aids to elderline helpline, key benefits explained

What is Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY)?

The Government implements multiple welfare programmes for senior citizens under the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY). The details were shared by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B. L. Verma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

Over 6.98 lakh senior citizens benefited under IPSrC

Under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), the Ministry provides grant-in-aid to eligible organisations for operating:

• Senior Citizen Homes

• Continuous Care Homes

• Mobile Medicare Units

• Physiotherapy Clinics

The programme aims to improve the quality of life of indigent senior citizens by ensuring access to shelter, food, healthcare, recreation and opportunities for active and productive ageing.

The Ministry has also prescribed Minimum Standards for Senior Citizen Homes to promote accessible infrastructure and quality care.

According to the government, the programme has benefited over 6.98 lakh senior citizens since FY 2021-22.

State governments receive support through SAPSrC

The State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC) supports State Governments and Union Territory Administrations in implementing State-specific welfare initiatives based on local priorities and requirements. The scheme has been in operation since FY 2019-20.

Over 7.68 lakh elderly receive free aids under Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana

The Ministry is implementing the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) to provide free physical aids and assisted living devices to senior citizens suffering from age-related disabilities and having a monthly income of up to ₹15,000.

Implemented through ALIMCO, the scheme has benefited 7,68,749 senior citizens since FY 2021-22.

Elderline helpline has assisted over 8.41 lakh senior citizens

The Elderline – National Helpline for Senior Citizens (14567), operational from 8 AM to 8 PM every day, provides:

• Information

• Guidance

• Emotional support

• Field intervention in cases of abuse and rescue

Since its launch on October 1, 2021, the helpline has assisted 8,41,734 senior citizens across 34 States and Union Territories.

Under PM-SPECIAL (System of Providing Elder Care in House and Assisted Living), the Ministry is addressing the growing demand for trained elderly care professionals.

Since FY 2023-24, 38,893 geriatric caregivers have been trained.

Through the Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) initiative, eligible startups receive equity support of up to ₹1 crore to develop technology-driven solutions for senior citizens.

According to the government, nine startups have been supported since the programme's inception.

The Government regularly reviews the implementation of AVYAY through stakeholder consultations and independent third-party evaluations. The Ministry said the National Policy on Older Persons, 1999 continues to provide the policy framework for healthcare, financial security, assisted living, digital inclusion and active ageing.