Loneliness, isolation and neglect are the three main hurdles which elders face from family and community at large.

While on one hand, India is actively working towards becoming an inclusive society but unfortunately many seniors are deprived of programs which promotes active ageing, participation and inclusiveness.

Though at the grassroot level, Central Government and State Government programs on health and medical care are available but unfortunately social care, emotional well-being and recreational care is largely unaddressed.

Loneliness is not only a rural phenomenon, it impacts all sections of society including urban elderly. The rich too are not spared from feeling lonely and isolated.

During our professional career we are surrounded by many people, but after retirement our social circle gradually reduces and eventually we find ourselves feeling alienated from active participation in society.

Rural elderly women are more prone to feeling neglected since their husbands are mainly migrant workers who work outside their villages or states.

Though the community fabric is stronger in the hinterlands as compared to urban areas however that does not mean elders in remote areas don’t feel isolated or neglected.

If India wants to become the third largest economy, then financial might is not the only parameter of evaluation, social care especially care for the vulnerable older persons should be a priority area.

Time has come to genuinely start working upwards from the bottom of the pyramid rather than a top down approach and getting stuck in the middle of the pyramid.

Pankaj Mehrotra