Marathwada region is one of the most backward regions in Maharashtra state. Due to poor natural resource base and poor development investment by the government, the area has been witnessing a number of problems. They include unemployment, migration due to lack of local employment opportunities, unproductive agricultural lands, etc. Over 50% rural population lives below poverty line. The condition of the elderly poor is not only pathetic but they are also prone to various types of exploitations due to established customs and traditions dominated by patriarchy. Elderly poor women in general and especially from backward castes mentioned above are one of the most vulnerable and marginalized section of the Marathwada rural society. Most of these marginalized elderly women are illiterate with lack of any knowledge of skills limiting their livelihood opportunities and means of subsistence. Old age and poor nutrition has also resulted in many of the elderly having poor health and becoming bed ridden. Disability adds to the problem. Many of the elderly poor are widows and deserted by their families. A long life of poverty has also ensured that these elderly poor have no assets and no savings to fall back on. Majority of these elderly are neither aware of their rights nor of any government benefit programmes. Even if aware of any government support schemes they are unable to access such support without any outside help.

Institute for Integrated Rural Development (IIRD) in partnership with Helpage, has been serving the rural aged community of Paithan Taluka since 1991 in about 56 villages of the area covering 219 elderly poor.

Distribution of food grains and basic necessities to the elderly by a caring volunteer

The care of the elderly is community oriented and involves care givers who are members of the mahila mandals and other community groups. These care givers are volunteers responsible for the elderly poor of their villages. They help the incapacitated older people in their household chores, income generation activities and also provide care during their sickness. The elders are regularly visited by our staff and the institute doctor to check their well being, health and other needs. The elders are provided monthly groceries and other requirements as per their need.

A care giver counseling the elderly

The elderly have been motivated to involve in income generation activities. 233 elderly poor are involved in income generation activities like poultry, kitchen gardens, seed bank, nursery and vermicompost. Older persons involved in poultry – 27, kitchen garden – 63, vermi-compost making – 36, Nursery – 34, Seed bank – 48, goat rearing -25. The elderly are also involved in many other activities like stitching quilts, making papads etc. The elders are able to earn a little through such activities which they use for pilgrimages and visiting temples.

A beaming elderly woman with her catch of earthworms from the Vermicompost unit she manages.

IIRD along with the care givers and mahila mandal members spread awareness among the villages through monthly awareness workshops in the villages and also in the city of Aurangabad. During these workshops the problems of the elderly like ill-health, desertion, limited livelihood opportunities social exclusion and loneliness are discussed.

Efforts are on to raise more resources to care for the needs of the elderly and to link the elderly poor to available government support schemes.