Union Budget 2026-27 announced a plan to train 1.5 lakh caregivers in one year through programmes aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) to strengthen India’s geriatric (elderly care) and long-term care workforce.

Need for Strengthening Elderly Care

• Elderly Population: Senior citizens (aged 60+) currently comprise over 10% of the population (about 104 million) and are projected to reach 19.5% (319 million) by 2050.
• Health Implications: 75% of the elderly have one or more chronic diseases and medical expenses are more than double for this population segment.
• Rural Concentration: Approximately 71% of the elderly population resides in rural areas, which often lack medical infrastructure.
• Erosion of Social Support: Diminishing traditional family support, low awareness of legal rights, domestic abuse etc. 
• Inadequate Financial Security: Vulnerability to financial fraud, financial dependence (78% without any pension cover), low Insurance Coverage (only 18%) etc. 
• Digital Divide: High levels of digital illiteracy exist, with approximately 85.8% of the elderly being digitally illiterate.

Government Initiatives

• Policy and Legal Frameworks: The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP).
• Health Initiatives: National Programme for the Health Care of the Elderly, Ayushman Bharat, Vayo Mitra.
• Social and Economic Support: Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana, Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY), Elder Line (14567), Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) initiative, SACRED Portal (for re-employment) etc.