Inflation hits hard at Senior Citizens: A survey by Help Age India

As per a random sample survey of about 400 Senior Citizens conducted through Senior Citizens Associations across the country by Help Age, it was found that 82.5% of the elderly have been affected adversely by the rise in prices ever the last year and 92.4% feel that the Govt. has taken no action to counter it.

In order to understand the perspective of Senior Citizens pan India, the survey was conducted amongst 12 states namely: Delhi, Maharashtra, Kolkata, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

The lower and the middle income groups were hit the hardest. 71.6% elderly cut down on their health expenditure and 40.8% curtailed expenses on nutrition in their diets. 27.8% witnessed tension/anxiety levels grow within their families due to which their relationships were strained.

A strong need   was seen in demand for subsidized food articles through ration shops and subsidized medical services, a stunning 84%. 82% want further exemption in Income Tax. 58% elderly across India are looking for a structured re-employment programme by the Govt. Also, an astounding 71.1% want IT exemptions for children who are spending money to maintain their elderly parents.

75.4% senior citizens in Delhi, 76.8% in Kolkata, 70% in Maharashtra and 91% in Tamil Nadu, want elder-friendly and easy-to-access Health Insurance schemes. These startling numbers were an eye –opener in understanding elderly needs.

(This blog is the online version of "VOICE OF SENIOR CITIZENS", a monthly newspaper, a bilingual (Telugu & English), published from Hyderabad.

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