October 1, 2025

Shimla is the home to around eight lakh senior citizens, and this number will surge by 19-20 percent by 2036. HelpAge India, a nonprofit group working for the elderly, strongly says district hospitals must beef up their geriatric wards now! Rajesh Kumar, HelpAge India’s head in Himachal, told PTI Videos, “We have moved from the joint family system to nuclear families. A chapter on senior citizens should be included in school curriculum to instil values among children.” With average age rising, troubles like mental health issues and loneliness will increase among elderly people. Kumar highlighted the need for mobile health units and committee-based care, especially in villages where young people leave for cities, leaving their parents behind. “There are about eight lakh senior citizens in the state and this is set to grow by 19-20 percent by 2036,” said Kumar. He urged the government to strengthen geriatric wards in hospitals and stressed a universal pension of ₹2,000 a month for rural senior citizens. HelpAge India is working with the state social justice and empowerment department and other groups to build a pool of caregivers. Kumar added, “The state policy for older persons has already been notified and needs to be implemented. We have requested the chief minister for the same as a state policy for senior citizens would go a long way in helping the cause.” In a state-level event on International Day for Older Persons-2025 at The Ridge, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a new ‘Rogi Mitra Yojana’ for regular health check-ups of senior citizens soon. The government already provides social security pensions between ₹1,000 and ₹1,700 monthly to 6,71,754 eligible elders. Excitingly, a ‘Sukh Aashray Parisar’ is being built at Jwalamukhi in Kangra district for ₹100 crore, where senior citizens will get all comforts to feel at home. At the event, CM Sukhu honoured remarkable senior citizens, launched a lively cycle rally and Walkathon, and visited stalls set up by women’s self-help groups. A fun ramp walk featuring senior citizens aged 60 to 82 also captured everyone’s heart. With aging numbers climbing and the need for better care urgent, Himachal Pradesh is gearing up to embrace its seniors with love, support, and respect!

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Tags: Himachal pradesh, Senior citizens, Helpage india, Geriatric care, Pension, Health programs,