At a time when there is increasing insecurity amongst the elderly, the observance of a day for senior citizens today was marked with recognition of their work and the promise of legislation to instill a sense of security.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Meira Kumar's announcement about the legislation came as a major relief since the elderly in the country numbering around 80 million feel outnumbered with the majority belong to a younger age bracket. 

Even before the International Day for Older Persons dawned, a 'Senior Citizens Health Care Programme' was launched in the capital yesterday by Delhi Lt Governor B L Joshi who stressed the need to bring back the value system wherein elders were respected and youngsters conscious of their duties towards them.

More than 2,500 senior citizens took part in an 'Intergenerational Walk' organised in the capital and flagged off by Ms Kumar.

Senior citizens also got recognition today with the presentation of the Vayoshreshtha Samman to eminent elderly people. 

In Mumbai, there was a unique fashion show featuring senior citizens as models, while there was a report from Kohima where Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta walked with the elders and urged them to advise the younger generation with their experience and knowledge. He noted that though India has a young population, it is poised to become home to the second largest number of older persons in the world with the number of 60 plus persons projected to increase to 100 million in 2013 and to 198 million in 2030.