GROWING OLD IN INDIA AND SOCIO ECONOMIC JUSTICE: AN APPRAISAL OF THE LEGAL REGIME Suniti Aggarwal Ageing is a significant global demographic phenomenon with far-reaching implications for human rights, social protection, healthcare, employment, and socia

Abstract

Ageing is a significant global demographic phenomenon with far-reaching implications for human rights, social protection, healthcare, employment, and social inclusion. This paper examines the evolution of the international legal and policy framework for the protection of older persons, tracing the shift from general human rights guarantees to ageing-specific international and regional instruments. It analyzes the relevance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), particularly in relation to dignity, equality, non-discrimination, social security, healthcare, and adequate living standards. The paper further examines the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, 1982 and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002, which established important principles concerning participation, economic security, health and well-being, supportive environments, and intergenerational solidarity. Regional developments, including the Inter-American Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of Older Persons, the African Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons, and European protections, are also considered. Particular attention is given to challenges faced by developing countries, including inadequate pension coverage, limited healthcare infrastructure, rural inequalities, declining family support, and digital exclusion. The study finds that although international frameworks have substantially strengthened the normative recognition of older persons as rights-holders, their effectiveness remains constrained by their largely non-binding character, implementation gaps, fragmented governance, and limited monitoring mechanisms. The paper concludes that ageing policy should move beyond welfare and charity towards a rights-based approach that recognizes older persons as equal members and active contributors to society.