BENEFITS TO THE SENIOR CITIZENS

Travel Benefits By Train

                                                                      When it comes to commuting by trains, the Indian Railways provides a flat 40 per cent rebate to male senior citizens and a flat 50 per cent rebate to female senior citizens on fares in all classes of all trains. This includes Sleeper Class, First Class, Air Conditioned (AC) Chair and First Class AC in all trains including Shatabdi and Rajdhani Expresses. The minimum age defined for male senior citizens for availing this particular rebate is 60 years, while for female senior citizens it is 58 years.

                                                                       The government has also created special booking counters for senior citizens to prevent extreme discomfort and health problems caused by standing in long queues. The line here is quite short and allows them to book a ticket in relative comfort. Senior citizens also have the option of booking tickets through the online reservation system (External website that opens in a new window) of Indian Railways. After a few days, the tickets are home delivered.

                                                                       Apart from this, special coaches have been introduced for senior citizens who use a wheel chair. These coaches have provisions such as space for wheel chairs, handrails and a specially designed toilet. Special ramps for wheel-chaired seniors have been constructed at numerous railway stations, so that they don't have to face the discomfort of crossing the rail tracks or climbing up stairs. Wheel Chairs for the use of older persons are available at all junctions, District Headquarters and other important stations.

Travel Benefits By Air

                                                                     Today, air travel is more common, easier and affordable than ever before. The Indian Airlines provides a rebate on normal economy class fare airline tickets for who have attained the age of 65. Other airline companies also offer similar rebates to the senior citizens. These rebates allow the elderly to afford to travel the same way as they did while they were working.

                                                                     Booking tickets is done through the particular airline's website. Flight staff checks that first time flyers are aware of boarding procedures and have a comfortable flight. Senior citizens in wheelchairs are allowed to board the plane first. Moreover, visually impaired senior citizens are escorted throughout their journey so that they don't face any problem.

                                                                    Air India also provides discounts to senior citizens who are 65 years of age and over on all types of journeys in economy class on domestic sectors. In order to avail these discounts and rebates, senior citizens have to show proof of their age at the time of booking.

Travel Benefits By Ship

                                                                    Shipping Corporation of India Ltd  or SCI manages and operates passenger vessels belonging to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and the Lakshadweep Administration. The Liner and Passenger Ship Division of SCI also operate two passenger vessels owned by the Shipping Corporation of India in the Andaman and Nicobar Sector.

                                                                   Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Calcutta and Visakhapatnam. There are three to four sailings every month from Calcutta and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa. There is one sailing a month from Visakhapatnam. The voyage takes around 50 to 60 hours and the ship normally berths at Port Blair for about two to four days. Ships to Lakshadweep are available from Kochi. Discounts are available for islanders.

                                                                  Private Cruise Ship companies and travel agencies offer a variety of cruises to Lakshadweep and the Andamans. From time to time they have special offers, discounts and tailored packages for senior citizens. Before booking such a trip it is always a good idea to bargain for extra discounts and freebies.

Old Age Homes

                                                                            Old age homes are meant for senior citizens who are unable to stay with their families or are destitute. States in India such as Delhi, Kerala, Maharashtra and West Bengal have developed good quality old age homes. These old age homes have special medical facilities for senior citizens such as mobile health care systems, ambulances, nurses and provision of well-balanced meals.

                                                                           There are more than a thousand old age homes in India. Most of them offer free accommodation. Some homes work on a payment basis depending on the type and quality of services offered. Apart from food, shelter and medical amenities, old age homes also provide yoga classes to senior citizens. Old age homes also provide access to telephones and other forms of communication so that residents may keep in touch with their loved ones. Some old age homes have day care centres. These centres only take care of senior citizens during the day.

                                                                          For older people who have nowhere to go and no one to support them, old age homes provide a safe haven. These homes also create a family like atmosphere among the residents. Senior citizens experience a sense of security and friendship when they share their joys and sorrows with each other.

Recreational/Educational Centers

                                                                   Recreational centres have been created to enable senior citizens to lead a quality lifestyle. These centres train them to spend their free time in various creative pursuits and interesting activities. Most recreational centres offer fitness clubs, parks, yoga classes, spiritual sessions, picnics and food festivals for the health and entertainment of senior citizens.

                                                                 Old age homes are also involved in arranging numerous senior centric recreational activities. These activities include painting classes, discussion sessions for sharing views on different matters, pottery classes, music lessons and other programmes. Apart from this, certain old age homes also provide library facilities where senior citizens can read books and periodicals of their choice. Other activities available at recreational centres are craft classes, quiz shows and indoor games. These recreational centres are meant to infuse a new spirit into the lives of senior citizens. Plus, they also help in improving general health and mental stability. ‘Recreational centres for senior citizens comes under the purview of the Ministry of Social Justice

                                                                 The Ministry of Human Resource and Development has made budgetary allocations for arranging educational programmes and related material for senior citizens under the aegis of the Bureau of Adult Education  Senior citizens are also encouraged to complete their education through specially designed courses at open universities, libraries, cultural bodies and research institutions.

Tax Benefits

                                                                           Income tax is a portion of your annual income that is paid to the government at the end of every financial year. This tax money is used to fund various developmental activities, build infrastructure and for defence purposes. The government provides various tax benefits and tax exemptions to certain categories of people such as sportspersons, women and senior citizens. This is done to encourage them to continue earning, investing and providing for themselves.

                                                                          Separate counters are marked for senior citizens at the time of filing Income Tax Returns. Senior citizens who are 65 years and above as on 31st March of the assessment year should be pensioners. They should come personally, if they wish for priority while submitting their Income Tax Returns. Besides, on the spot assessment facility is also provided.