India’s demographic shift is rapidly bringing senior citizens’ needs into focus, turning ageing into a major public policy challenge. With longer life expectancy, rising healthcare costs and shrinking family-based support systems, experts say Budget 2026 must prioritise structured senior care solutions.

Industry leaders and civil society groups are urging the government to expand health insurance to cover long-term and at-home care, strengthen reverse mortgage norms, grant infrastructure status to senior care facilities and exempt senior services from GST. There is also a strong push for trained caregiving professionals, affordable assisted living, and better insurance penetration.

Social organisations have highlighted gaps in pension support, calling for higher monthly payouts under NSAP, especially for the 60+ and 80+ age groups. Other key demands include subsidised insurance premiums, digital literacy to protect seniors from cyber risks, enhanced rural livelihood programmes and higher income tax exemptions.

With Budget 2026 approaching, experts agree that a coordinated approach covering healthcare, pensions, caregiving, safety and tax relief could significantly improve quality of life for millions of elderly Indians.