Govt promotes ‘Elderline’ (14567) for senior citizens

• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is pursuing its obligation to ensure a life of dignity, security and inclusion for senior citizens through national helpline for senior citizens — Elderline 14567 — and also through the nationwide ‘Take a Pledge’ initiative under the Ageing with Dignity campaign. 

• These initiatives seek to build a compassionate society where every elderly citizen is respected, protected and empowered.

What is the purpose of Elderline?

• Elderline (14567) is a toll-free, pan-India helpline dedicated to addressing the concerns and grievances of senior citizens across the country.

• Dedicated to the nation on October 1, 2021, the helpline operates all seven days in a week from 8 am to 8 pm across all states and Union Territories. 

• It serves as a single-window platform for providing information, guidance, emotional support and field interventions to elderly persons in need.

• The services offered through elderline include information on healthcare facilities, old age homes, day-care centres, caregivers and elder-friendly products, guidance on legal issues, pension-related matters, government schemes, maintenance issues and dispute resolution. 

• In addition, the Elderline covers field intervention for cases involving abuse, neglect, rescue, reunion of homeless senior citizens and emotional support to address loneliness, anxiety, family disputes and other psychosocial concerns.

‘Take a Pledge’ campaign

• Complementing the helpline is the ministry’s ‘Take a Pledge’ campaign, which encourages citizens across the country to actively participate in creating an age-inclusive society by pledging their commitment towards the welfare of senior citizens.

• Through the pledge, the citizens resolve to respect, love and care for senior citizens in their family and community throughout their lives and treat senior citizens with kindness, compassion and empathy. 

• Over 5.36 lakh citizens have already taken the pledge.

• As part of the acknowledgement, the participants receive a digital certificate of commitment as a symbol of their dedication to the welfare of senior citizens.