Central Idea

• Projected Demographic Shift: By 2050, the percentage of elderly individuals in India is expected to double, reaching over 20% of the total population, as per the UN Population Fund, India (UNFPA) in its 2023 India Ageing Report.
• Rapid Expansion: India is experiencing a remarkable decadal growth rate in its elderly population, currently estimated at 41%.
• Changing Dynamics: This demographic shift raises the possibility that by 2046, the elderly population may surpass the number of children (aged 0 to 15 years) in the country.

Economic Disparities among the Elderly

• Poverty Prevalence: More than 40% of India’s elderly population belongs to the poorest wealth quintile, with nearly 18.7% of them living without any source of income.
• Quality of Life Impact: Such high levels of poverty can significantly affect their quality of life and their access to healthcare services.

Understanding the Aging Population

• Rapid Growth in the 80+ Age Group: The report predicts a staggering 279% growth rate in the population of individuals aged 80 and above between 2022 and 2050.
• Gender Disparities: There is a predominance of widowed and highly dependent elderly women in this age group, a trend observed in several nations.
• Regional Variations: Life expectancy at 60 and 80 varies across states and union territories, with women generally having higher life expectancies, raising concerns about their social and economic well-being.
• Regional Disparities: States like Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and the Union Territory of J&K have women with life expectancies exceeding 20 years at age 60, highlighting the need for tailored support.

Changing Sex Ratios among the Elderly

• Steady Increase: The sex ratio (females per 1,000 males) among the elderly has been steadily rising since 1991, in contrast to the stagnation in the general population’s sex ratio.
• Regional Variations: The northeast and east show an increased sex ratio among the elderly, but it remains below 1,000, indicating a male predominance. In contrast, central India saw a remarkable shift, with women outperforming men in survival after the age of 60.

Gendered Poverty in Old Age

• Inherent Gender Bias: Poverty in old age is inherently gendered, with older women more likely to be widowed, living alone, lacking personal income, and relying on family support.
• Feminization and Ruralization: The major challenges facing India’s aging population include the feminization and ruralization of the elderly. Policies must address these specific needs.

Inter-State Variations in Elderly Population

• Diverse Demographic Transition: Significant inter-state variation exists in the levels and growth of the elderly population, reflecting differing stages and rates of demographic transition.
• Regional Differences: States in the southern and select northern regions have a higher share of the elderly population, a gap expected to widen by 2036. In contrast, states with higher fertility rates, like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, will see an increase in the elderly population share but will remain below the national average.
• Ageing Index: Central and northeastern regions are characterized by a younger demographic as indicated by the aging index.

Response to Elderly Needs during the Pandemic

• Inadequate State Aid: The report reviews the government and state authorities’ response to the needs of elderly people during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting that while most received state aid, it was insufficient.
• Only NGOs to rescue: Accessible public healthcare facilities were lacking, with NGOs and CBOs being the primary sources of help.
• Call for Preparedness: The report recommends a special focus on older persons in disaster-preparedness plans moving forward.

Enhancing Data Collection and Support

• Data Deficiency: The report underscores the lack of credible data on various issues related to the elderly in India and calls for the inclusion of questions concerning older persons in upcoming data collection exercises.
• Policy Recommendations: Suggestions include increasing awareness about elderly schemes, regulating Old Age Homes, and promoting in-situ aging.
• Community Engagement: Encouraging the creation of elderly self-help groups and emphasizing multigenerational households as well as short-term care facilities.

Promising Roadmap and Valuable Resource

• Government Acknowledgment: Social Justice Dept. termed the report a “valuable roadmap”. It emphasized its importance as a resource for scholars, policymakers, program managers, and all stakeholders involved in elder care.
• Data Sources: The report draws from various sources, including the 2011 Census, the 2017-18 Longitudinal Ageing Survey in India (LASI), population projections, and reports from the Government of India and the World Population Projection 2022.

Way forward

The report advocates for policies that enhance the well-being of India’s aging population-

• Foster community support
• Multigenerational living, and
• In-situ aging

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now