In developing countries like India, poor health and inability to access health care are an important part of the experience of ageing, particularly among people living in poverty: access to treatment is governed by public policy, as well as socio-economic characteristics of the elderly people. My research into morbidity among the elderly in an urban slum in South India demonstrates that the state should not dilute its commitment to health care, as it is the only source of access to health care, particularly for elderly women who have experienced multiple deprivations throughout their life course.