Court Says No to Ageing Centres—But India Can Still Win at Elder Care.

 

https://www.yodda.care/

A Heart That Still Beats—Even When It Seems Quiet.

Imagine: Dadi quietly sits by the window, gazing at children playing outside. Her eyes follow the laughter, but her heart feels a gentle ache—“साथ का थोड़ा सा तो एहसास चाहिए ना…”. That longing, that silent yearning, is India’s elderly calling out for a connection, for dignity, for care.

Recently, the Madras High Court delivered a judgment that caused many to feel a pang in their chest: rejecting a plea for setting up a National Centre for Ageing in every district. The court said elder care is a matter for the government, not the judiciary. “Court says no,” they ruled.

But this isn’t the end—it’s a rallying cry. Because the heart of India still beats strong when it comes to caring for its elders. And guess what? We can still win this fight.

The Legal Setback That Stirred Emotions.

On August 13, 2025, the Madras High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation filed by K. K. Ramesh of Madurai. The plea sought a National Centre for Ageing in every district—highlighting how many elderly are neglected, even sent to homes lacking medical support. 

But the court said welfare schemes already exist, and mandating district-level centres was beyond its jurisdiction—it’s a policy matter. 

Just before that, in June 2025, the court had taken the elder care plea seriously—asking both the Central and Tamil Nadu governments to respond, invoking Article 21 (right to life) and urging action to protect the vulnerable elderly. 

What does this tug-of-war mean? It's not saying elder care isn't needed—it’s simply reminding the executive branch: “Dear government, the responsibility lies with you.” That’s not a defeat—it’s an invitation to act.

When Numbers Echo Loneliness: The Data That Stings.

Here’s something that really hits home:

• India’s elderly population is rapidly growing. In 2011, those over 60 numbered around 103 million (8.6%). By 2050, they’re projected to be nearly 20% of the population—around 320 million. That’s a lot of hearts seeking warmth. (Data context from LASI/external sources.)

• Among those older than 60, undiagnosed ailments are widespread—16.2% have undiagnosed diabetes; anaemia affects 34% of elderly men and 40% of elderly women. 

So often, elders are battling illnesses that even they don't know about. Imagine the weight, the uncertainty.

Real Faces, Real Stories: The Roller‑Coaster of Aging in India.

Let’s bring numbers into real-life faces:

• Chronic illnesses are common: 34% of seniors live with cardiovascular disease, 32% with hypertension, and 14% with diabetes. Sight and hearing troubles, susceptibility to falls, and mobility constraints are widespread. (LASI data.)

• Mental health—depression is probable in about 1 in 12 elders. Many struggle with daily tasks, experiencing loneliness and loss of independence.

• Abuse and neglect—a heart‑wrenching 5% have reported active ill‑treatment; half have felt neglected, often by those closest—family. In-laws, sometimes even children. (LASI data.)

Reflect on that: dadi stirring tea quietly, hoping someone will sit with her, share a story, smile at her. But loneliness becomes her constant companion. The ache of being unseen, unheard—that is the unsung tragedy.

Glimmers of Hope—Where India Can Shine Bright.

Now hold on: it’s not all darkness. Here are some sparks lighting the way:

1. Building Real Change—BHU’s National Centre of Ageing.

Under the Ministry of Health’s NPHCE (National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly), Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is constructing a 200‑bed National Centre of Ageing—India’s third after AIIMS Delhi and Madras Medical College. 

• Foundation stone laid in February 2024 by the Prime Minister. Construction began June 2024. As of May 2025, it's 50% complete—scheduled for completion by December 2025. 

• The facility will have specialized OPD, diagnostic services, physiotherapy, dialysis, ICU, HDU, sleep lab, yoga therapy, research labs, and wards (public and private). 

On May 12, 2025, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally inspected the site, urging timely, quality completion for the well-being of over 1,500 elder patients who visit BHU daily. 

This is not just a building—it’s hope rising.

2. Voices in the Program—Geriatric Training Takes Shape.

Dr. Shubhrendu Shekhar Pandey, an Assistant Professor in Physiotherapy at BHU, is now part of a national expert committee under NPHCE. He’s helping craft training modules and guides for physiotherapists and rehab workers catering to elders. 

That’s training minds, shaping care, nurturing compassion.

3. The Foundation of NPHCE.

NPHCE is designed to deliver preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services for elders through existing government health infrastructure, customizing care to facility levels. 

These programs are exactly the tools we need—if they reach every village, every heart.

A Roadmap to Compassionate Elder Care—Step by Step.

Let’s make it conversational, and deeply rooted in empathy:

• Think Local, Act Small.

Think of elder cafés at local Anganwadis, panchayats, or school courtyards—chai, storytelling, laughter. Let the village square become the adda for elders again.

• Health On Wheels.

Imagine mobile vans with basic screening: BP, sugar, eye tests, even a WhatsApp doctor check. ASHA workers could run them. A friendly health check can become companionship.

• Fix the Law—Make It Real.

The Maintenance & Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (2007) exists, but tribunals are dormant. Let’s demand activation, better maintenance caps, and functioning conciliation officers.

• Knowledge Is Power.

Host Know‑Your‑Rights camps in banks, post offices, community centres. Seniors often don’t know about pensions, concessions, or how to claim them.

• Bring Back the Adda Vibes.

Dance, music, storytelling, cultural nights in community halls. One evening of laughter and song can chase away months of quiet sorrow.

• Tech With Tenderness.

Train a grandchild to help dadi make video calls, send voice WhatsApp messages, connect with old friends. A little digital connection can feel like a hug.

• From Villager to Volunteer.

Encourage readers to:

• Call their elder relatives daily.

• Offer rides to the clinic.

• Host small get‑togethers.

• Simply ask, “Kya haal‑chhaal hai, aap ache ho na?”

You—Yes, You—Have the Power to Make a Difference.

Here’s where it gets personal:

• Dial an elder’s number today—just five minutes to ask about their favorite childhood memory.

• Volunteer locally—teach elders how to use WhatsApp, run a mini‑class on smartphone safety.

• Think: What small thing can you do today to bring a smile, build a bridge, show you care?

Each tiny act is a thread in the bigger tapestry of care.

Conclusion: We Can Win—So Let’s Keep that Heart Beating.

“Court says no,” might have echoed with finality. But courage lives in every chai-sipping elder, every family that still calls, every community that gathers, every policy maker who chooses empathy over indifference.

India can win at elder care—through compassion, policy awareness, community spirit, and big dreams executed in small, real steps.

Because as long as their smiles still spark, and our hearts still feel that pull—we haven’t lost. We’re just getting started.

“Kyunki jab tak unki muskurahat humare dil mein jagmagati hai, tab tak hum jeet sakte hain.”

FAQ Section.

Q1: What can an elder do if their child refuses maintenance?
Local Maintenance Tribunals under the 2007 Act can enforce support—even though implementation is weak, awareness and local legal aid can help.

Q2: Are there any upcoming age-care centres besides BHU’s?
BHU’s centre is being built under NPHCE—others may follow depending on success, advocacy, and policy push.

Q3: How can rural elders access health services?
Through mobile health vans, ASHA worker visits, and local camps run by PHCs—awareness and planning are key.

Q4: What immediate action can communities take?
Host local elder meet-ups, storytelling evenings, tech sessions—simple, human acts rooted in empathy.