India’s Demographic Shift: Aging Population and the Urgent Need to Safeguard Working Indians’ Financial and Health Security
Team India
NOIDA-As India’s population continues to age, urgent measures are needed to support the growing number of elderly citizens. With projections indicating that about 20% of India’s population will be over 60 years old by 2050, the country faces significant challenges in providing adequate care and services for its ageing demographic.
The median age in India is expected to increase from 30 in 2025 to 38 in 2050, according to the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI). This demographic shift is part of a larger global trend, with developing nations like India experiencing a rise in the proportion of elderly individuals.
Experts emphasize the importance of creating environments conducive to healthy ageing, stressing that both physical and social factors play a crucial role in determining the well-being of older individuals. As India’s population ages, it is imperative for the government to take proactive steps to ensure the health and dignity of its elderly citizens.
One of the key challenges facing India is its changing demographic structure. By 2050, the proportion of elderly individuals in the population is expected to surpass that of children under 14 years old. States like Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra already have a high number of people aged 60 and above, highlighting the need for targeted support and services in these regions.
Gender disparities also exist within the elderly population, with more women than men in this age group. Factors such as longer life expectancy and access to healthcare contribute to higher female representation among the elderly.
However, despite the growing number of elderly citizens, India’s economic growth has not translated into improved incomes for a large section of the population. Many elderly individuals rely on pensions and family support for their needs, with only a small percentage receiving formal pensions.
Furthermore, healthcare presents a significant challenge for India’s ageing population, with non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes being the leading causes of death. There is a need for realigning primary healthcare services to better address the specific needs of older individuals, including age-related diseases and cognitive impairments.
Government-funded health insurance schemes and initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana provide some support for elderly citizens. However, more comprehensive policies and programs are needed to ensure the health, safety, and dignity of India’s ageing population.
Addressing the needs of India’s ageing population requires immediate action from the government. By prioritizing healthcare, income security, and social support for the elderly, India can ensure that its ageing citizens lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
