Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Acharya Balkrishna Urges Respect for Elders Every Day
Acharya Balkrishna says older people should be respected every day.
Everyone who is young will eventually grow old.
Older people have knowledge, memories and important family traditions to share.
Many elders also care for children, work, volunteer or advise others.
Some face health problems, money worries, loneliness or neglect.
October 1 is observed around the world to focus on older people’s rights and needs.
India has laws, pensions, a helpline and health support for senior citizens.
But official help cannot replace kindness from families and communities.
Spending time with elders and listening to them can help them feel valued.
Acharya Balkrishna urged people to respect senior citizens continuously, not only on October 1.
The International Day of Older Persons highlights older people’s needs, rights and contributions.
The World Health Organization says the global population aged 60 and above could reach 2.1 billion by 2050.
India’s elderly population may rise from about 10.5% in 2022 to nearly 21% by 2050.
Families can support elders through daily companionship, healthcare, technology help and attention to their opinions.
- Who
- Acharya Balkrishna, senior citizens and the families and communities that support them.
- What
- A message calling for respect, care and recognition of older people’s contributions.
- When
- The message was shared for the International Day of Older Persons, observed every October 1.
- Where
- The observance is global, with particular discussion of older people in India.
- Why
- To highlight older people’s needs, rights, contributions and the importance of treating them with dignity.
- International observance
- October 1 is the International Day of Older Persons.
- Global ageing projection
- People aged 60 and above are expected to reach about 2.1 billion by 2050.
- India’s elderly population
- People aged 60 and above represented about 10.5% of India’s population in 2022.
- India projection
- The share of older people in India may reach nearly 21% by 2050, or more than 340 million people.
- Senior-citizen law
- The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 provides for maintenance from children and relatives who are responsible for parents unable to support themselves.
- Elderline
- The 14567 helpline provides guidance and support to senior citizens across India.
- Health coverage
- The Ayushman Vay Vandana card, introduced in 2024, provides health cover to people aged 70 and above.