The increasing industrialisation, fast pace of life and changes in living arangements among family members had led to a growing number of aged being relegated to the sidelines and being forced to make alternate arrangements for their own security and health care, he said while announcing the organisation's plans for Year 2000.

``The worst hit among the senior citizens are the low income group and women. The condition of 55 per cent of women above 60 years was not satisfactory as they continue to be at the receiving end due a strong gender bias, even during theiradvanced stage in life,'' Sandhu added.

``Most of the elederly are not afraid of death, what they are afraid of is being disabled and dependent on others,'' he pointed out, referring to the lack of family support in india.

Helpage India has spent nearly Rs 70 lakh as part of relief operations in Orissa, Sandhu informed. It has adopted nearly 5,000 families by provideing them ration, medicines and blankets. The NGO also has plans to set up an old age home near Igatpuri in Maharashtra, as well as a large eye hospital, income generation and micro-credit schemes in 2000.