<b>GERIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH AND WELFARE LAWS IN INDIA: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY</b>

The Indian Population of Senior Citizens is at 10.38 Crore (Census 2011). The population of old age persons is however estimated to reach 17.32 Crore by the year 2060 according to the report of the Technical Group on Population Projections. The ever-increasing population of the aged has led to the overflowing of old age homes and many times they are found abandoned on the streets and in terrible conditions with various mental and physical health issues. Many times they have been unable to reply sensibly because of their mental health issues. The present paper focuses on the factors responsible for the health issues i.e. the mental and physical health of elderly persons in the country and further suggests suitable ways for the well-being of the aged with the help of doctrinal and empirical research methodology.2011年人口普查（Census 2011）数据显示，印度老年人口（Senior Citizens）规模达10.38 Crore。据人口预测技术小组（Technical Group on Population Projections）发布的报告测算，到2060年，该国老年人口规模预计将增至17.32 Crore。持续增长的老年人口导致养老院人满为患，不少老年人被遗弃在街头，处境恶劣且伴随各类精神与躯体健康问题。由于精神健康问题，他们时常无法做出合理应答。本文聚焦印度老年群体的健康问题影响因素，即其精神与躯体健康状况，并依托规范研究与实证研究方法，为提升老年群体福祉提出可行路径。