Anyone who is over 65 years old is classified as a senior citizen. There are several benefits that you can avail of including discounted air fare on Air India, discounts on railway travel and on state transport buses. Senior citizens can also avail of discounts on telephone bills of MTNL and BSNL.

Every state government has special initiatives targeted at senior citizens, such as subsidized healthcare facilities, food and even homes. There are separate counters for senior citizens in banks, hospitals and most public facilities. Most importantly, the Income Tax Department has differential tax rates for senior citizens compared to other taxpayers. Not to forget, there is also a Very Senior Citizen category for those above 80 years.

OLMdesk@outlookindia.com