Paper short abstract:

This paper aims to dwell on the rights of older persons in Asia and national policies evolved by the government to provide them with safety measures.

Paper long abstract:

India is facing all problems endemic to a developing country with population ageing, in the absence of parallel development in socio-economic and health spheres. Longevity implies longer years out of paid workforce, greater dependence on families, increased expenditure on health and illness and a constant losing battle with steep rises in cost of living. Issues of social security and care of the older people are complex. In Asian culture, old age was revered with family support always around. Technological and social change have altered traditional social safety mechanisms. Many countries in Asia Pacific Region like China, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand have passed legislations for older people. Broadly, these protective measures, provide mandatory provision and require children to provide care to their parents, put mechanisms in place for receiving maintenance from children as well as authorizes governments to provide services to the aged. Author has critically reviewed the protective legislations of China, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand and with special reference to India to find out issues and challenges to provide umbrella protection to the rights of older persons. The paper further highlights many national policies of the government to provide safety measures to the older persons. It critically discusses 'The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007' in the light of contemporary developments.