Senior citizens call 'Elderline' for emotional support, health concerns and legal issues

NEW DELHI: As it takes off with fully functional call centres in five states, the first central government led helpline for the elderly “Elderline” that is likely to be expanded to all states by the end of this month, has received 475 actionable calls from five states between April 28 to now.
Out of the nearly 475 calls received, 16% calls were for emotional support; and 11% calls were pension related; remaining 37% was related to information on old age homes, physiotherapy units, health related and legal issues.
The toll-free number 14567 is being cited as a critical step to reach the elderly in need during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The helpline will operate through decentralised call centres at the state level with a central monitoring and data analysis system in the union social justice and empowerment ministry.
In a statement, the social justice ministry said the toll-free number is operational in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In Telangana, this facility has been there for more than a year. 'Elderline' was started with the assistance of Tata Trusts and the NSE foundation.
The government said efforts are being made to make the helpline functional in all states by end of May. According to data shared by the ministry, 71 actionable calls were received from Tamil Nadu, 163 from Madhya Pradesh, 25 from Rajasthan and 122 from Karnataka since April 28.
In Uttar Pradesh where the helpline was started on May 14, a total of 94 actionable calls were received, it stated.