Awareness and utilization of various schemes launched by government of India for the welfare of senior citizens

Abstract

Background: Government of India has provided various welfare services to support the elderly population, but awareness and utilization of these services is questionable. Objectives of the study were to assess the awareness and the extent of utilization of various schemes by the senior citizens.Methods: Using systematic random sampling technique, 420 senior citizens visiting out patient department of a tertiary care centre were enrolled in the study. Information was obtained regarding the sociodemographic profile and the awareness and utilization of various welfare services by the participants. Four adjoining states (Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh) were purposely included in the study.Results: The mean age of the participants was 67.84±5.91. Maximum awareness was observed for old age pension scheme in all the four states. A gap was observed in the awareness and utilization of various senior citizens schemes. There was significant difference in awareness and utilization of most of the schemes amongst all the four states.Conclusions: There is a need to generate awareness regarding various schemes for the senior citizens among the general public of India in the Northern Region as a lot of gap was observed in the awareness and utilization of these services.