Give priority in attending to their problems

Sir,

Life expectancy at birth is about 70 percent as found during the population census of 2011, and also indicated that there are about 104 million senior citizens (about 10 percent). It may be about 173 million by 2026.

The Government has hiked the pension for 80-plus years and there are separate counters in CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme), Post Offices, Banks, Theatres, Transport and Hospitals for them, including home visit on emergency.

But with the increased number of senior citizens above 60 years, there are more number of persons in any assembly, in our queues with more number of youngsters above 60 years. It is tiring for older persons of 80 years and above like me to stand in queue for longer time with them.

Considering all these hazards, I suggest that persons (pensioners or otherwise) above 80 years should be separated into a category called “Super-Senior Citizens” to get priority in attending to their problems, in Hospital administration, travelling, food, personal attenders/caretakers if or as recommended by CGHS or super-specialist doctors.

The Government may consider the decision to have two stages of senior citizens — below 80 and above 80 — years for priority attention to above 80 — super seniors — in various offices and institutions where we often go for help and assistance.

– Dr. Kodira A. Kushalapa, IFS (Retd), Mysuru, 21.1.2021

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