President gives away 'Vayoshreshtha Samman'

New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday gave away the "Vayoshreshtha Samman" awards to senior citizens at a function here.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said there was a healthy tradition of respecting and taking care of elders in the country.

He said according to the last census, the population of senior citizens in our country was approximately 10.5 crore, which was about 8.5 per cent of the country's population, and it was expected to go up to 19 per cent by 2050.

"The average life expectancy has increased in recent decades due to improvement in health services and other reasons," he said.

The President said the government had taken several steps for the welfare of elderly persons including the national programme for Healthcare of the Elderly, wherein they could avail specialised treatment.

Under the National Health Insurance Scheme, implemented with the help of state governments, now additional health insurance is being provided.

Vayoshreshtha Samman awards are given under a scheme of national awards for senior citizens.