Paper short abstract:

The present paper highlights the issues, challenges and future prospective vision to eliminate the disparities in the existing legal systems through global concern in the 21st century

Paper long abstract:

Old age brings host of challenges in the life of elderly, which are mostly engineered by the changes in their body, mind, thought process and the living patterns. But it never implies that every thing has finished. May be, they are physically fit and mentally alert. Hence, given an appropriate opportunity, they may make significant contribution to the socio-econimic development of their nation. In India,about 8 percent of the total population is above 60 years. The figure will cross 18 percent mark by 2025. The paper deliberates on various aspects of old age persons such as firstly, economic problems include such problems as loss of employment, income deficiency and economic insecurity. Secondly, physical and psychological problems, include health and medical problems, nutritional deficiency and the problem of adequate housing etc. Thirdly, pshycho-social problem are related to their psychological and social maladjustment. The legal protection incldes: The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents Bill and Senior Citizens Act 2007 etc. The main thrust of the paper is on legal provisions. There is urgent need to amend the constitution for the special provision to protection of aged persons and bring it in the periphery of the fundamental rights keeping in view the international development. With the degeneration of joint family system, dislocation of family bond and loss of respect of aged persons, the family in modern times should not be thought to be a secure place for them. The welfare state to make independent provision for the welfare and extra protection of the senior citizens including palliative care.