Demographic Shift
India's population above 60 is set to double from 14.9 crore in 2022 to 34.7 crore by 2050, mirroring global trends.
Gender Disparities
Women outnumber men in the elderly population and face greater economic vulnerabilities, especially given low labor force participation rates (24%).
Regional Variations
Southern states report a higher share of the elderly population compared to the national average, while northern states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh lag behind.
vEconomic Challenges
Over two-fifths of India's elderly population are in the poorest wealth quintile. In some states, up to 18.7% of the elderly have no income.
Rural vs. Urban
A high proportion of the elderly population resides in rural areas and often faces economic deprivation.
Health and Social Care
Increased life expectancy necessitates a focus on geriatric care and other unique healthcare needs of the elderly.
Policy Landscape
Various schemes and laws exist, such as the National Policy on Older Persons (1999) and the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (2007),
but they are often cumbersome or unknown.
Whole-of-Society Approach
A holistic approach involving both public and private sectors is required to ensure basic needs like food, shelter, and income security.
The rapidly aging population poses both challenges and opportunities for India. Policymakers need to urgently recalibrate strategies to ensure the elderly can live with dignity and economic security.
