New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS): The government on Monday pitched for utilising the services of pensioners -- who are experienced and qualified -- in the nation's development process, saying they "are retired but not tired".

Jitendra Singh, minister of state for personnel, public grievances and pensions, said the lifespan and the status of health among the elderly had improved over the last few years.

He said majority of pensioners who retire at the age of 58 or 60 years were still in the prime of their health, physical as well as mental performance.

"They (pensioners), in other words, are retired but not tired," Jitendra Singh said while addressing a day-long training programme on pension-related matters for officials from different ministries and departments at the Institute of Secretariat Training and Management here.

The minister said the challenge for the society was how best to utilise the services of this experienced and qualified lot so that their talent and capabilities do not go waste and are not lost to the nation.

"The department of pensions in the government of India will do an in-depth exercise and find out various workable options," the minister said.