Assistive Devices, Elderline and Trained Caregivers Strengthen Support for Senior Citizens

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing measures under the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY) to support senior citizens through the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, Elderline, and training of geriatric caregivers. The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana provides free assistive devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids to BPL and low-income senior citizens, benefiting over 8.53 lakh individuals through 589 camps from FY 2017-18 to FY 2025-26. Elderline (14567), the National Helpline for Senior Citizens operational since October 2021, has received over 29 lakh calls providing free information, guidance, and emotional support with an expenditure of ₹162.21 crore released to the National Institute of Social Defence. Additionally, the training of geriatric caregivers programme has trained 35,480 candidates from FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26.