ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Empowering the Elderly in Rural India: The Role of Panchayats in Social Security and Care

Women issues are particularly significant when developing social policies for the elderly, given that women generally have a longer life expectancy than man leaving them exposed to prolonged periods of vulnerability (WHO, 2021). This extended lifespan combined with various life course risks, makes elderly women more vulnerable, highlighting the need to prioritize their care and support. In India, understanding the living arrangements and employment status of elderly individuals is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of social security programs. Living arrangements indicate levels of social support and are crucial for assessing overall quality of life. Many older individuals in India prefer cohabiting with family, where children often take on the primary responsibility of caring for their elderly relatives. A significant number of elderly women and widows live either alone or with their children. Recent trends also show an increasing number of elderly individuals living independently or only with a spouse. Although multiple welfare initiatives target senior citizens, awareness about them is often insufficient, especially within rural regions where literacy and outreach mechanism remain weak. This lack of awareness is largely due to low literacy levels and ineffective local governance structures. To ensure that the elderly can have better access to the benefits that they are entitled, it is essential to improve information dissemination and raise awareness about these schemes and government initiatives.