Of late, with the break up of the joint family system, elders are being given a raw deal. There is no safety net for such people, who are trying to eke out a living in the autumn of their lives.
The list of injustices done to elders is endless. They are subjected to discrimination everywhere. This is the time for affordable medical care. But insurance companies, both government sponsored and those in the private sector, are not too keen to have elders as their clients. Otherwise, why does the benefits come down, as a person gets older?
There is a sharp decline in the benefits with advancing age. The rules are so framed that if one wants an overseas medical insurance beyond the age of 70 years, one cannot get it for love or money. It is left to the discretion of the insurance company. If an insurance cover is provided at all, it comes with a heavy price tag by way of “loading” of the normal premium.
Politicians never miss an opportunity to gloat over their policies for elders, but when it comes to brass tacks we see something else. Take, for example, the decision of Indian Airlines. In all their wisdom and show of consideration, a 50 per cent concession is given to senior citizens on their domestic circuit. Suddenly, they decided to “save” on this concession, though they dare not withdraw it altogether. Now there are restrictions on bookings.
State owned road transport corporations do not allow any discount to the elderly. Some of them reserve a couple of seats for the elderly, though it is not easy to claim such seats from regular passengers. This applies to separate lines for booking tickets or paying bills also. The public, in general, grumble at such “reservation” for elders.
A lot can be done to improve the quality of life of senior citizens. This is more so when the livelihood of these unfortunate souls is threatened by a series of measures taken by the government — for instance; reduction of interest rate on bank deposits, postal saving schemes, etc. In fact, the rate of interest is coming down every year. And for those depending on it, it has become a problem to live with dignity.
Low interest rates may be in tune with the globalisation process and so, presumably, good for the economy, but certainly not for individuals who are facing erosion of their income. Sometimes, they recall, nostalgically, their good life when it was a “bad” economy with higher interest and inflation rates. In this connection, a few measures taken by the government are welcome.
The recently started pension scheme by LIC for elders above 55 years is welcome — with a guaranteed interest of nine per cent. But this benefit is limited to only one person in a family. The banks, after much prodding, are now offering 0.5 to 0.75 per cent higher rate of interest to senior citizens.
Other benefits, which senior citizens are hoping the government would concede are: rebate in house property-tax, electricity/water bills; discount in consultation and hospitalisation charges by hospitals; reduction in entry fees for cinemas, theatres, parks, art galleries, museums; and better medical insurance schemes.
Senior citizens want society to recognise their existence and treat them with the respect they deserve. They can still contribute usefully if only their services are sought.
