India is currently undergoing a major demographic shift, with a rapidly growing elderly population as life expectancies rise and fertility rates decline.
- This phenomenon of population ageing poses significant implications for the country’s social, economic, and healthcare landscape.
- To formulate a comprehensive response to this challenge, NITI Aayog has released a critical report titled ‘Senior Care Reforms in India: Reimagining the Senior Care Paradigm’ outlining interventions needed regarding health, financial security, social participation and use of technology for the elderly.
Understanding India’s Demographic Transition
Rising Share of Elderly
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- People over 60 years old comprise 10% of population currently, expected to touch 19.5% by 2050
- In absolute terms, around 104 million elderly people at present projected to grow over 300 million by 2050
Declining Fertility Rates
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- Fertility rate has dropped below replacement level of 2.1 to 1.8 in 2022
- Reducing birth rates contribute to higher share of elderly people
Increasing Life Expectancy
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- Average life expectancy now over 70 years, rising steadily
- Growth of elderly share outpacing increase in life expectancy
Key Findings of NITI Aayog’s Report
Health Status and Disease Burden
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- 75% elderly suffer from chronic diseases
- 80% endure vision loss due to ageing conditions
- Risk of cognitive decline and poor mobility also rises
Rural-Urban Disparities
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- 71% of elderly concentrated in rural areas with lower access to healthcare
Financial Insecurity
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- High out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare leads to financial misery
Social Isolation and Mental Issues
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- 32% reported low life satisfaction pointing to isolation
- 20% elderly have diagnosable mental health issues
Rising Share of Elderly in India’s Population
| Year | Share of 60+ Age Group | Growth Rate of 60+ (%) |
| 2011 | 8.6% | – |
| 2021 | 10.1% | 17.4% |
| 2031 | 13.1% | 29.7% |
| 2041 | 16.3% | 24.4% |
| 2050 | 19.5% | 19.6% |
Key Recommendations of NITI Aayog Report
Health System Strengthening
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- Expand coverage of elderly under Ayushman Bharat scheme
- Tele-consultations to increase healthcare access
- Build geriatric and palliative care infrastructure
Social Participation and Security
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- Sensitise community about elder-friendly norms
- Financial security via increased pension coverage
Financial Sector Reforms
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- Introduce dedicated insurance and savings schemes
- Promote reverse mortgage system for housing equity
Leveraging Technology
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- Digital literacy programs to overcome isolation
- Improve affordability of assistive healthcare devices
Union Budget 2023-24 Provisions
Emphasis on Elderly Healthcare
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- 137% rise in budgetary allocation to existing schemes and programmes targeting elderly population compared to last year
Mental Health Program Boost
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- National Tele Mental Health Programme getting additional funding with focus on issues like depression or anxiety affecting elderly
Recent State-Level Initiatives
Elder Helplines and Teleconsultations
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- Andhra Pradesh launched 14417 toll-free number in 2023 for assisting elderly citizens
- Rajasthan government announced free teleconsultations via e-Sanjeevani platform
Senior Citizen Welfare Fund Rules Amended
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- Odisha amended rules in February 2024 to expedite utilization and time-bound redressal of grievances
- Would ease norms for financial assistance requests by elderly
Corporate Role in Promoting Senior Care
Tata Trusts Supporting Old Age Homes
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- Tata Trusts collaborating with HelpAge India to fund old age homes and day care centers across India
- Provisions for food, shelter, medical amenities ensured
Insurance Firms Designing Special Plans
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- Bajaj Allianz launched tailored insurance plan covering elderly care services in October 2022
- Offers coverage for expenses incurred on nursing staff, home healthcare, etc
Assisted Living Complexes by Private Players
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- Players like Ashiana Housing and Paranjape Schemes constructing dedicated residential complexes for elderly with healthcare support, home caregiving options
Engaging Senior Citizens
Experience-based Knowledge Sharing Platforms
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- Portals like SeniorHR and Supervipme aggregate expertise of senior professionals for second careers like mentorship, advisory services
Upskilling Initiatives for Golden Workforce
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- NIIT Foundation runs programs focused on training elderly in skills like digital literacy, entrepreneurship to aid financial independence
Mainstreaming Geriatric Perspective in Policymaking
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- Need for structured consultations with elderly community before designing large-scale reforms to provide ground insights
With holistic policies as recommended by NITI Aayog across healthcare, financial inclusion, changing social attitudes and harnessing technology, India can convert the demographic challenge of population ageing into an opportunity. The wisdom and experience of the elderly must be valued by creating an enabling environment. The report provides a blueprint to build a more caring and sensitive society.
