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NEW DELHI, INDIA, November 20, 2002: According to the United Nations almost 80 million people in India are over 60, and by the year 2021 that number will increase to 137 million. That means India’s population is aging, resulting in several implications on health, economic security, family life and well-being of people. The responsibility of a larger group of older people has to be borne by a relatively smaller, younger group of adult workers. The state does not have adequate sources to meet the demand on its services. In India, parents were once honored as Gods and it was the duty of the sons, to respect and care for his parents. Even now, in most homes, older parents live with their sons and families. If there is more than one son, the eldest son bears the responsibility of caring for the aged parents. This tradition is practiced by both the rich and the poor. The tradition assured that old people were not only looked after, but they had a role to play in the family by taking care of the grandchildren and providing guidance to the younger generation on matters of customs and traditions. But that is all changing. The joint family has broken down and older people are considered a burden by the younger generation. Quality old age homes are few and they can only be found in India’s major metropolitan areas. Serviced apartments are also not easily available to senior citizens.

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