Greying of Indian population: a concern.

In India the tremendous increase in the greying population is likely to result in several adjustmental dilemmas. It is noted that the growing number of old women will have to face a ‘triple jeopardy’--being old being female and being poor. A majority of them live with children and the quality of their life will solely depend on the sentiments resources and inclinations of their carers. In 1982 the WHO implemented several worldwide programs for the elderly by adopting the theme “Add Life to Years”. However it appears that the lack of specific legislative measures in favor of the aged or the aging is one of the lacunae in tackling the issue comprehensively. A turning point in the realization of the potentials of the serious problem of aging in India was the Vienna International Plan of Action on Aging adopted by the World Assembly on Aging attended by as many as 124 nations including India. The Assembly not only solemnly reaffirmed the fundamental and inalienable rights of the aging but also solemnly recognized the importance of quality of life and determined that the aged be enabled to enjoy in their own families and communities a life of fulfillment health security and contentment. It is believed that an integrated action through the active participation cooperation of social institution government the Panchayats the health care professionals and the elderly themselves can meet the challenges of an aging population in India.