The India Ageing Report 2023, jointly released by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), offers crucial insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with elderly care in India. This report draws upon data from various sources, including the Longitudinal Ageing Survey in India (LASI), 2017–18, Census of India, Population Projections by the Government of India (2011–2036), and World Population Prospects 2022 by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
About UNFPA and IIPS
UNFPA: A Pillar of Support
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA), a trust fund under the jurisdiction of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), plays a pivotal role in assisting global population programs. Established in 1969, it is the largest international source of assistance for such programs. UNFPA’s mission revolves around ensuring wanted pregnancies, safe childbirth, and realizing the potential of young people. It primarily focuses on reproductive health, population issues, and gender-related concerns.
IIPS: A Hub for Research and Training
The International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), located in Mumbai, India, is a research and training center for population studies. Established in 1956 through collaborative efforts between the Government of India, the United Nations, and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, IIPS serves as a regional center for the Asia and Pacific region. Operating as an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, IIPS conducts research funded both internally and externally.
Key Highlights of the Report
- Projection of Elderly Population: The report projects a significant increase in India’s elderly population, with a decadal growth rate of 41%. By 2050, it is estimated that over 20% of the total population will be aged 60 and above. Remarkably, by 2046, the elderly population is anticipated to surpass the population of children aged 0 to 15 years.
- Population Aged 80+: Among the noteworthy findings, the report indicates a staggering growth rate of approximately 279% in the population of individuals aged 80+ between 2022 and 2050, with a prevalence of widowed and highly dependent elderly women.
- Vulnerabilities of Elders: The report highlights that more than 40% of India’s elderly population falls within the poorest wealth quintile, and approximately 18.7% of them live without any income. This level of poverty significantly impacts their quality of life and access to healthcare.
- Higher Life Expectancy of Women: Women, on average, exhibit a higher life expectancy at the age of 60 and 80 compared to men, although variations exist across States and Union Territories. The sex ratio among the elderly continues to climb steadily, in contrast to the stagnation in the general population’s sex ratio.
- Inter-State Variation: India displays significant inter-State variation in both absolute levels and growth rates of the elderly population. Southern States and select northern States such as Himachal Pradesh and Punjab have a higher share of the elderly population, a trend expected to widen by 2036. Conversely, States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with higher fertility rates and slower demographic transition, anticipate an increase in their elderly population share between 2021 and 2036. Central and northeastern regions are characterized by a younger demographic.
Challenges Faced
- Gendered Poverty in Old Age: The report underscores that poverty in old age is neither uniform nor gender-neutral. Older women are disproportionately affected, often widowed, living alone, with limited income and fewer assets, heavily reliant on family support. This brings to the forefront the feminization and ruralization of the elderly population in India.
- Lack of Credible Data: One of the significant challenges highlighted in the report is the scarcity of reliable data concerning various issues related to the elderly population in India, emphasizing the need for comprehensive data collection.
Suggestions and Way Forward
The report offers practical recommendations, including a call for special attention to older individuals in disaster-preparedness plans. The government is urged to enhance awareness of schemes for older persons, subject Old Age Homes to regulatory oversight, and promote in-situ (at home) aging by establishing short-term care facilities and elderly self-help groups. Encouraging multigenerational households is also proposed as a way to enhance the well-being of elderly citizens.
UPSC Mains Questions
- How might the projected increase in India’s elderly population impact the country’s healthcare infrastructure and social support systems?
- What are the underlying factors contributing to the feminization and ruralization of the elderly population in India, and how can these challenges be addressed effectively?
- In what ways can the government improve data collection and research efforts related to the elderly to better inform policies and initiatives?
- Considering the vulnerability of older women to poverty and dependence, what policy measures can be implemented to enhance their financial security and quality of life in old age?
