Unified Digital Ecosystem as a Digital Vision for Senior Citizens: A Case Study from Tamil Nadu, India
Balaji Kirubakaran *
Department of Telecommunications, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic, Unit of Electrical Engineering, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
India’s elderly population is growing rapidly, placing increasing demands on public services, digital access, and social support systems, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated approach that integrates policy and technology. This paper proposes a unified digital framework to enhance the accessibility and quality of essential services for senior citizens through improved collaboration between central and state governments. The model includes a centralized digital identity and an integrated services portal, enabling streamlined access to healthcare, nutrition, housing, pensions, mobility, and social engagement. Tamil Nadu is presented as a case study to demonstrate regional adaptability and national scalability. The aim is to promote inclusive, dignified aging while reducing disparities in senior welfare. This work contributes to broader discussions on building resilient, technology-enabled service delivery systems in emerging economies.
Keywords: Digital inclusion, senior citizen welfare, aging population in India, e-governance, unified service portal, Tamil Nadu, central–state coordination, older adult care policy, social protection systems, technological accessibility