FINANCIAL STATUS OF THE RURAL ELDERLY WOMEN IN MAHARASHTRA DURING POST-COVID-19

Maharashtra-a state deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic-mirrors these challenges. With an estimated population of 125 million, 11.7% of whom are elderly (a figure projected to reach 15% by 2031), the state has been one of Indias hardest hit by COVID-19, reporting millions of confirmed cases and substantial fatalities. The pandemic has further exacerbated mental health struggles, social isolation, and economic instability among the elderly, intensifying existing inequities and barriers to financial security.