<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.