It will appropriate to dwell on the emerging composition of our society, concurrently in the Western Countries, but with definite signs to overtake in India also. In the coming decades our society may consist of 40% of population in the category of senior citizens, 25 to 30% younger generation still attending schools and colleges, and only the remaining members of the population engaged in active service, business or industry. This is what Mr.John feels, who retired a couple months back.

Mr.John retired after 40 years of service at his age of 60. His wife younger to him by three years, had however sought and availed voluntary retirement about three years back. The parents of Mr.John (both) in their mid-eighties are still alive. Presently the active members of the family are the son and daughter-in-law of Mr.John, both in their mid-thirties. They have two children aged 11 and 9 both school-attending. Thus in the family of eight members there are four senior citizens, there are two children. But only two adult members in their prime of life. Fifteen years from now the John's son with his wife will retire from service. At that time their grand parents (parents of Mr.John) may not be surviving, but most likely Mr.John and his wife will.

Three decades back when the parents of Mr.John were in service, things were different. They had four children. Their parents were no more. In those days it was normal for people to have 3 to 5 children, the average life span at those times was between 50 and 60. Only few people out-lived the age of 60 and had a retired life.

This brings to forefront the role and the problems faced by senior citizens in society, how they can be of less burden to society and be of more use etc. While the society still looks after them and provide them a sense of contentment and satisfaction, they must also be ensured to feel that they do play an useful role in the last span of their life.

These thoughts are projected in the ensuing pages, in the context of my entering the domain of senior citizens after retirement in the year 1996. The consideration of a programme for my old age is relegated to the background and discussed only as the epilogue. The first seven chapters are devoted to focus on the emerging issues relating to the life of senior citizens in our society.