” Orphan elders” are older people who have outlived all their family and are neglected by their kith and kin, therefore they don’t have any caregivers. They are a largely ignored population whose numbers are expected to burgeon with the medical explosion that has paved way for a longer life and smaller families. Neglect is the most common form of abuse towards orphan elders at 48.7 % followed by emotional, financial and physical abuse.

SCAD-Nirman helps give the orphan elders a life of dignity through programmes including a monthly old age pension, medical assistance, elders’ self help groups and annual exposure visits for elders.