As per the Census figures of 2011, the population of senior citizens in India is 10.38 crore, out of which 1.13 crore persons are above the age of 80 years. More than 70% pf the population of senior citizens live in rural areas of the country. A sizeable percentage (5.2%) of the senior citizens suffer from some sort of disabilities related to old age. The rapid change in the demograhic profile along with increased life expectancy and advancements in health care and other developmental indices, Indian population is gradually progressing to the phenomenon of population ageing. Projections indicate that the number of elderly population will increase to around 173 million by 2026.

The Central Government proposed a new scheme to be put in place to provide Physical aids and Assisted Living Devices for such senior citizens suffering from age related disabilities/ infirmities, who belong to BPL category. Accordingly, the following scheme is hereby formulated for bringing such senior citizens into active life and to build an aged-friendly society by providing them with devices to maintain near normalcy in mobility, communication and independence.

Aims and Objectives

The scheme aims at providing senior citizens, belonging to BPL category and suffering from any of the age related disability/infirmity mentioned in para 2.2, with such asisted-living devices which can restore near normalcy in their bodily functions, overcoming the disability/infirmity manifested. The assistive devices shall be of high quality and conforming to the standards laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards, wherever feasible.

The Scheme aims to address following types of disability / infirmity:-

• Low Vision;

• Hearing impairment;

• Loss of teeth; and

• Locomotor disability.

Types of Physical Aids and Assisted-Living Devices to be piovided under the Scheme

The Scheme proposes to provide the following Aids and Assisted- Living Devices to eligible elderly beneficiaries, depending upon their physical impairment, as stated in para 2.2 above:-

1. Walking sticks

2. Elbow crutches

3. Walkers / Crutches

4. Tripods / Quadpods

5. Spectacles

6. Hearing Aids

7. Artificial Dentures

8. Wheelchair

The beneficiaries of the Scheme shall include Senior Citizens of BPL Category suffering from any of the age related infirmities as indicated in para 2.2 of the Scheme. For loss of vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and for loco-motor disability requiring wheelchair, a certificate from any Government Medical Officer shall suffice. For other simple devices stated in para 3 (items 1 to 4), the implementing agencies shall satis& themselves as to the eligibility of the Senior Citizen to receive the device.