Population ageing is one of the most significant trends of the 21st century. The demographic profile predicts that in the years 2000 – 2050, the overall population in India will grow by 55%, whereas population of 60+ will increase by 326% and those in the age group of 80+ by 700%. In fact older persons are the world’s fastest growing population group. It has important and far-reaching implications for all aspects of society.

Increasing migration, changing family structure, falling family values, increasing elder abuse and declining family support systems, are matters of great concern. Further about 2/3rd of senior citizens are economically poor. There is, thus, an urgent need to guarantee income security and access to essential health and social services and to establish multi-purpose centers in each sector/colony for social interaction and other needs of older people and old age homes for the destitute and also for those who can pay. This underlines the necessity for state policy, advisory council and commission for senior citizens and requires a strong political commitment and immediate planning to formulate and implement the necessary reforms. Apparently there is the need to adequately prepare all stakeholders (governments, civil society, private sector, communities, and families) for the growing numbers of older persons and the age related requirements and concerns. The government departments and ministries that deal with ageing issues are required to be strengthened and provided sufficient budget.

It is well known that due concern had not been shown to the plight of graying people even though they are about ten percent of the population and about twenty percent of the voters. In fact, senior citizens are the most vulnerable and are the least organized. The Federation of Senior Citizens’ Associations, Punjab (FEDSEN – PUNJAB) was established to promote and help formation of Associations of Senior Citizens in cities, towns and villages of Punjab. The aim is to jointly work as welfare organizations and effectively plead our rights and convince the authorities and the opinion makers for age friendly policies and their effective implementation.