Senior Citizens acts and Policies

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Hindus Laws

Amongst the Hindus, the obligation of sons to maintain their aged parents, who were not able to maintain themselves out of their own earning and property, was recognized even in early texts. And this obligation was not dependent upon, or in any way qualified, by a reference to the possession of family property. It was a personal legal obligation enforceable by the sovereign or the state. The statutory provision for maintenance of parents under Hindu personal law is contained in Sec 20 of the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956. This Act is the first personal law statute in India, which imposes an obligation on the children to maintain their parents. As is evident from the wording of the section, the obligation to maintain parents is not confined to sons only, and daughters also have an equal duty towards parents. It is important to note that only those parents who are financially unable to maintain themselves from any source, are entitled to seek maintenance under this Act.

Muslim Laws

Children have a duty to maintain their aged parents even under the Muslim law. According to Mulla :

  • Children in easy circumstances are bound to maintain their poor parents, although the latter may be able to earn something for themselves.
  • A son though in strained circumstances is bound to maintain his mother, if the mother is poor, though she may not be infirm.
  • A son, who though poor, is earning something, is bound to support his father who earns nothing.

parents and grandparents in indigent circumstances are entitled, under Hanafi law, to maintenance from their children and grandchildren who have the means, even if they are able to earn their livelihood. Both sons and daughters have a duty to maintain their parents under the Muslim law. The obligation, however, is dependent on their having the means to do so

Christian And Parsi Law

The Christians and Parsis have no personal laws providing for maintenance for the parents. Parents who wish to seek maintenance have to apply under provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Under The Code of Criminal Procedure: Prior to 1973, there was no provision for maintenance of parents under the code. The Law Commission, however, was not in favour of making such provision.

According to its report The Cr.P.C is not the proper place for such a provision. There will be considerably difficulty in the amount of maintenance awarded to parents apportioning amongst the children in a summary proceeding of this type. It is desirable to leave this matter for adjudication by civil courts.

The provision, however, was introduced for the first time in Sec. 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in 1973. It is also essential that the parent establishes that the other party has sufficient means and has neglected or refused to maintain his, i.e., the parent, who is unable to maintain himself. It is important to note that Cr.P.C 1973, is a secular law and governs persons belonging to all religions and communities. Daughters, including married daughters, also have a duty to maintain their parents.

 

Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007

Entitlement to claim maintenance

Section 4 of the Act mentions that a senior citizen including a parent who is unable to maintain himself from his own earning or property owned by him can claim maintenance.

Extent of the liability

In determining the extent of the obligation, it has been stated that the obligation of the children or relative, as the case may be, to maintain a senior citizen or parent (either father or mother or both) extends to the needs of such citizen or parent so that the claimant may lead a normal life.

This Act, however, doesn’t seek to make it an absolute obligation on the relatives of a senior citizen. The Act states that a relative from whom such maintenance is being claimed must have sufficient means to maintain such claimant.

Application for maintenance

An application for claiming maintenance as mentioned under section 4, before a Tribunal as constituted under Section 7 of the Act, may be made-

  • By a senior citizen or a parent, as the case may be; or
  • If he is incapable, by any other person or organisation authorised by him; or
  • The Tribunal may take cognizance on its own (suo motu).

Order for maintenance

The Tribunal may pass an order directing children or relatives to make a monthly allowance at such monthly rate for the maintenance of such senior citizen or parent, as it thinks fit, to such parent or senior citizen. However, before passing such order the Tribunal has to take care of these points:

  • That the children or relatives, as the case may be, have neglected or refused to maintain that parent or the senior citizen concerned.
  • That the parent or senior citizen, as the case may be, is unable to maintain himself; and
  • That the Tribunal is satisfied with such neglect or refusal by the children or relatives.

Protection of life and property of Senior citizens

In the situations where a senior citizen after the commencement of this Act, has transferred his property (movable or immovable), by way of gift or any such transfer, but the condition that the transferee shall provide him basic amenities and physical needs, is attached with the transfer, and thereafter such transferee refuses or fails to fulfill such condition, such transfer of property shall be deemed to have been made by fraud, coercion or undue influence and the Tribunal can declare such transfer as void.

Establishment of old-age homes

The Act makes it compulsory for the State Government to establish and maintain at least one old-age home in each district to accommodate a minimum of one hundred fifty senior citizens who are indigent.

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The United States has a long history of providing support to its senior citizens. In 1935, the Social Security Act was passed, which provided Social Security benefits to retired workers and their families. In 1965, the Medicare and Medicaid programs were created, which provide Health insurance to seniors and low-income Americans. In 1967, the Age Discrimination in EMPLOYMENT Act was passed, which prohibits discrimination against workers on the basis of age.

The Older Americans Act of 1965 is a landmark piece of legislation that provides a range of Services and programs to older Americans. The act is administered by the Administration on Aging, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Older Americans Act provides funding for a variety of programs, including:

  • Nutrition programs: These programs provide meals to older adults in need.
  • In-home services: These services help older adults with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and cooking.
  • Adult day care: These programs provide a safe and stimulating Environment for older adults who need some supervision during the day.
  • Transportation: These programs provide transportation to and from medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential services.
  • Congregate housing: These facilities provide housing and meals for older adults who are unable to live independently.
  • Senior centers: These centers offer a variety of programs and activities for older adults, such as social activities, educational programs, and health screenings.

The Older Americans Act also provides funding for research on aging and for training professionals who work with older adults.

The Older Americans Act has been reauthorized several times since it was first passed in 1965. The most recent reauthorization was in 2016. The reauthorization law made several changes to the Older Americans Act, including:

  • Increasing the funding for the act
  • Expanding the services that are available under the act
  • Strengthening the focus on prevention and wellness
  • Increasing the focus on Equity and inclusion

The Older Americans Act is a vital piece of legislation that provides essential services to millions of older Americans. The act has been reauthorized several times since it was first passed, and each reauthorization has made the act stronger and more effective. The Older Americans Act is a testament to the United States’ commitment to providing support to its senior citizens.

In addition to the Older Americans Act, there are a number of other federal programs that provide support to senior citizens. These programs include:

  • The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families.
  • The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance to low-income households to help pay their energy bills.
  • The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides job training and employment opportunities for older adults.
  • The National Family Caregiver Support Program provides support to family caregivers who are caring for an older adult or an adult with a disability.
  • The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides advocacy and protection for residents of long-term care facilities.
  • The Elder Justice Act provides funding for programs to prevent, detect, and address elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

These are just a few of the many federal programs that provide support to senior citizens. These programs help to ensure that older Americans have access to the Resources they need to live healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives.

What are the benefits of being a senior citizen?

There are many benefits to being a senior citizen, including:

  • Social Security benefits: Social Security is a federal program that provides monthly payments to retired workers and their families. The amount of your Social Security benefit is based on your earnings history.
  • Medicare: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, or who have certain disabilities. Medicare covers hospital stays, doctor visits, and other medical expenses.
  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a federal and state health insurance program for low-income people. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and other medical expenses.
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): LIHEAP is a federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income households to help pay their heating and cooling bills.
  • Senior centers: Senior centers offer a variety of programs and services for seniors, including social activities, health screenings, and educational classes.
  • Transportation services: Transportation services can help seniors get to and from medical appointments, grocery stores, and other important places.
  • Home-delivered meals: Home-delivered meals can help seniors who are unable to cook for themselves get the nutritious meals they need.
  • Adult day care: Adult day care centers provide a safe and supervised environment for seniors during the day.
  • Assisted living facilities: Assisted living facilities provide housing and care for seniors who need help with daily activities.
  • Nursing homes: Nursing homes provide 24-hour care for seniors who need help with all aspects of their daily lives.

What are the challenges of being a senior citizen?

There are many challenges that seniors face, including:

  • Health problems: As people age, they are more likely to develop health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
  • Financial problems: Many seniors have limited income and may have difficulty paying for medical care, housing, and other expenses.
  • Social isolation: Seniors may become socially isolated if they no longer have a job, their children have grown up and moved away, or their friends have died.
  • Loneliness: Seniors may feel lonely if they do not have a strong social support Network.
  • Grief and loss: Seniors may experience grief and loss as they age, due to the death of a spouse, partner, friends, or other loved ones.
  • Changes in physical abilities: As people age, they may experience changes in their physical abilities, such as difficulty walking, seeing, or hearing.
  • Changes in mental abilities: As people age, they may experience changes in their mental abilities, such as difficulty remembering things or making decisions.

What can I do to help a senior citizen?

There are many things you can do to help a senior citizen, including:

  • Check in on them regularly: Let them know that you care about them and are thinking of them.
  • Offer to help with errands: This could include running to the grocery store, picking up prescriptions, or doing laundry.
  • Provide transportation: If they need to get to the doctor’s office or the grocery store, offer to drive them.
  • Spend time with them: Talk to them, listen to them, and do things together that they enjoy.
  • Be patient: Remember that they may be experiencing changes in their physical or mental abilities.
  • Be understanding: They may be dealing with grief, loss, or other challenges.
  • Be supportive: Let them know that you are there for them and that you care.

1. Which of the following is not a benefit of senior citizen Discounts?
(A) Reduced admission to museums and other attractions
(B) Discounts on public transportation
(C) Discounts on prescription drugs
(D) Free parking in certain areas

2. Which of the following is not a requirement for receiving senior citizen discounts?
(A) You must be a certain age.
(B) You must show proof of age.
(C) You must be a resident of the state or Municipality offering the DISCOUNT.
(D) You must be a member of a certain organization.

3. Which of the following is the best way to find out about senior citizen discounts?
(A) Ask your local library or senior center.
(B) Check the websites of businesses and organizations that offer discounts.
(C) Call the number on your driver’s license.
(D) Look for signs that say “Senior Citizen Discount.”

4. Which of the following is not a way to save Money as a senior citizen?
(A) Take advantage of senior citizen discounts.
(B) Shop around for the best prices on goods and services.
(C) Cook at home more often.
(D) Get a part-time job.

5. Which of the following is the best way to stay healthy as a senior citizen?
(A) Eat a healthy diet.
(B) Exercise regularly.
(C) Get enough sleep.
(D) All of the above.

6. Which of the following is not a way to stay active as a senior citizen?
(A) Join a senior center.
(B) Take a class.
(C) Volunteer.
(D) Get a part-time job.

7. Which of the following is the best way to stay connected with friends and family as a senior citizen?
(A) Call or visit them regularly.
(B) Join a social group.
(C) Use Social Media.
(D) All of the above.

8. Which of the following is not a way to stay safe as a senior citizen?
(A) Be aware of your surroundings.
(B) Lock your doors and windows.
(C) Don’t give out personal information to strangers.
(D) Get a security system.

9. Which of the following is the best way to plan for retirement?
(A) Start saving early.
(B) Invest your money wisely.
(C) Create a budget.
(D) All of the above.

10. Which of the following is not a way to make the most of your retirement?
(A) Travel.
(B) Spend time with family and friends.
(C) Learn a new skill.
(D) Get a part-time job.

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