Life Expectancy in the country has increased from 40 years in 1951 to 65 at present. Consequently the population of the elderly has increased four times. The number of senior citizens above the age of 60 was over 76 million as per the 2001 Census and it is estimated to reach over 170 million by 2026. Older people suffer from various ailments and there is an urgent need for dedicated health care facilities for the elderly. Government has taken several initiatives for the betterment of senior citizens.

A National Programme for Health Care of Elderly, is being implemented in 100 most backward and remote districts of the country. The programme will be extended to all the 640 districts of the country over the 12th plan period. In today's time of rapid urbanization and growing trend of nuclear families, incidents of elderly abuse have increased significantly and therefore it is important to have dedicated policies for the senior citizens.

Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act which entitles senior citizens to claim maintenance from their children, is an effective step in this regard.