Effectiveness of Geriatric Schemes, Services, and Community-Based Interventions Supporting the Elderly in Suburban Guwahati

This study examines the availability, accessibility, and perceived effectiveness of social welfare programmes, geriatric services, and community-based interventions supporting the elderly in suburban Guwahati. Using a mixed-method descriptive design and a sample of 34 older adults, the study finds overall low-to-moderate levels of awareness, satisfaction, and utilisation of welfare schemes. Financial assistance programmes-particularly IGNOAPS-are perceived as inadequate, while health-related initiatives such as PM-JAY show relatively higher awareness and effectiveness. Access barriers, administrative inconsistencies, and demographic vulnerabilities like advanced age, low education, low income, and nuclear family structures shape uneven service reach and outcomes. The findings echo national evidence on inadequate pension adequacy, patchy geriatric services, and limited outreach. Strengthening awareness mechanisms, geriatric-friendly infrastructure, and community support emerges as essential for improving elderly well-being. Keywords: Schemes for elderly people, Access, Effectiveness of Geriatric Schemes, Guwahati