The elderly population of India is growing at an alarming rate, with more than 100 million seniors over the age of 60. This number is projected to grow to 300 million by 2050. This dramatic increase in the elderly population is due to better healthcare, increased life expectancy, and the declining fertility rate. According to the Census of India 2011, India has a total population of over 1.21 billion, of which 8.6% (104.3 million) are aged 60 years and above.This is the largest elderly population in the world. The overall elderly population in India has increased by 8.4% between 2001 and 2011, from 79.7 million to 104.3 million. Around half of the elderly population in India lives in rural areas (50.2%). The elderly population in rural areas has increased by 8.7% between 2001 and 2011, from 40.3 million to 44 million. In urban areas, the elderly population has increased by 8.3% between 2001 and 2011, from 39.4 million to 60.3 million. The gender ratio of elderly population in India is skewed towards females. There are 59.6 million elderly women, as compared to 44.7 million elderly men. The ratio of elderly women to men is 1.33:1. In terms of educational attainment, the majority of elderly people in India are illiterate. Around 67.5% of the elderly population is illiterate, while only 16.1% have completed secondary and higher secondary education.

  According to the 2011 Census of India, Maharashtra had a total population of 112,372,972, of which 17.3% (19,438,506) were senior citizens aged 60 and above. This percentage was higher than the national average of 8.6%. The majority of elderly people in Maharashtra are Hindu (83%), followed by Muslim (11%), Christian (3%), and other religions (2%). In terms of literacy, the elderly population in Maharashtra is generally well-educated. According to the 2011 census, 74.1% of the elderly population in Maharashtra is literate. This is higher than the national average of 59.3%. In terms of health, the elderly population in Maharashtra has access to a variety of services. According to the National Health Mission, Maharashtra, the state’s government runs several programs for elderly citizens, including health check-ups and health camps, medical assistance, and health insurance. Furthermore, the Government of Maharashtra has implemented several programs to improve the quality of life of the elderly, including the Old Age Pension Scheme, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, and the Antyodaya Anna Purna Yojana.

  The elderly in India face widespread poverty, lack of access to healthcare and social security, and increasing neglect from their families. Many elderly individuals are abandoned and left to fend for themselves. In addition, the lack of government investment in elderly care has resulted in a lack of quality care facilities. Despite the challenges that the elderly in India face, there are organizations and initiatives working to improve the situation. NGOs are providing care and support to the elderly, while the government has introduced schemes to provide financial and medical benefits to the elderly. In addition, several organizations have launched programs to provide elderly people with vocational training, employment opportunities, and social activities. Overall, the situation of the elderly in India is dire and requires urgent attention.

Issues of elderly in India

• Health Care Access: Many elderly people in India lack access to affordable and quality health care.
• Poverty: Elderly people are more likely to be poor than younger people.
• Social Isolation: Elderly people in India often experience loneliness and social isolation due to the lack of family and community support.
• Lack of Retirement Opportunities: Many elderly people do not have access to retirement benefits such as pensions or social security.
• Abuse: Elderly people in India are vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Discrimination: Elderly people in India face discrimination due to their age and gender.
• Access to Education: Elderly people in India often lack access to educational and cultural activities.
• Mental Health: Elderly people in India are vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
• Housing: Many elderly people in India lack access to safe and secure housing.
• Nutrition: Many elderly people in India do not have access to adequate nutrition due to poverty or lack of assistance.

  These organizations may provide medical and social support, as well as spiritual guidance. It is observed in Navi Mumbai that the children of seniors have flourished and ventured into opportunities wherever available and as dutiful parents the senior gave them wings to fly, as a result, seniors are left lonely back home either with spouse as a support who is equally vulnerable or single senior parent living with support from neighbours and house helps. Along with loneliness the safety is a biggest concern who are living with spouse or single.

  As per our discussion with the some of senior citizens of Navi Mumbai there is need to start the Assisted living center for senior citizens in Navi Mumbai. Assisted living to senior citizens Assisted living for elderly in India is a residential living arrangement for seniors who require assistance with daily activities such as transport, recreation, medication management, and food etc. It provides a home-like environment, with a supportive staff, while allowing seniors to maintain a sense of independence and dignity. In addition, assisted living may provide a variety of services and amenities, such as transportation, housekeeping, laundry, recreational and social activities, organized outings, and health care services.

Objectives of Assisted Living Home for Senior Citizens

• To provide engagement among and with senior citizen throughout the day.
• To provide a safe and comfortable living environment for elderly individuals.
• To create a sense of community and companionship for the elderly.
• To empower the elderly to maintain their independence and well-being.
• To provide quick and easy access to healthcare and other services.
• To create a safe and secure environment to help elderly individuals age in place.