Centre releases Rs 78 crore for senior citizens' welfare scheme - The

The scheme seeks to address this demographic challenge by strengthening institutional mechanisms and encouraging community participation, it said.According to the 2011 Census, India had 10.38 crore people aged 60 years and above, including 5.11 crore males and 5.27 crore females.The Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) highlights functional limitations among a substantial proportion of older persons, underscoring the need for reliable care, healthcare services and community-based support, the ministry said.Increasing urbanisation, migration and the growth of nuclear households are also changing traditional family support structures, making institutional and community-based care increasingly important for senior citizens, it added.AVYAY subsumed and expanded the earlier National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrC), bringing multiple interventions for older persons under a unified scheme.The scheme aims to provide shelter, food, healthcare and recreational services while strengthening the capacities of governments, non-governmental organisations, local bodies and communities to support older persons.The "ageing in place" approach promotes an environment where senior citizens can continue living safely in their homes and communities, supported by suitable home modifications and specialised community-based services where needed, the ministry said.The scheme combines institutional assistance, state-level planning, and district-level monitoring, focusing on the dignity, well-being, independence, and social inclusion of older persons.Under the State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC) component, state and Union Territory governments prepare and implement welfare action plans tailored to their respective requirements, with financial support from the ministry.