India’s Ageing Population: Challenges and Opportunities

India’s Ageing Population: Challenges and Opportunities

A recent Press Information Bureau (PIB) release highlighted India’s accelerating demographic transition towards an ageing population.
By 2036, India’s elderly population (aged 60+) is projected to reach 230 million, reflecting a significant social and economic shift.
Addressing the needs of this population is critical for sustainable development, social cohesion, and economic planning.

Current Data and Statistics:

Elderly population (60+) expected to grow from 100 million in 2011 to 230 million by 2036, forming 15% of total population.
LASI 2021: Elderly constitute 12% of population, projected to reach 319 million by 2050.
Sex ratio among elderly: 1,065 females per 1,000 males; 58% of elderly are women, 54% of whom are widows.
State trends: Kerala – highest elderly share (23% by 2036); Uttar Pradesh – fastest numerical growth.
Dependency ratio: 62 dependents per 100 working-age individuals, indicating rising socio-economic pressure.

Importance of the Elderly:

Social Capital: Preserving cultural, moral, and familial wisdom; anchoring intergenerational values.
Economic Contributors: Driving the “silver economy”, boosting demand in healthcare, housing, and financial services.
Knowledge Reservoir: Experience enriches governance, education, and community leadership.
Demographic Imperative: Managing ageing is crucial for sustainable development and healthcare equity.
Moral Obligation: Aligns with Article 41 (Right to work, education, public assistance) and Directive Principles of State Policy.

Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Provides ₹1,000–₹5,000/month pension for unorganised workers; 8.27 crore subscribers (2025).
Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY): Umbrella programme for social inclusion, care, and empowerment.
Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): Funds 696 old age homes and mobile medical units nationwide.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): Provides assistive devices like hearing aids, wheelchairs, dentures.
SAGE & SACRED Portals: Promote elderly care start-ups and re-employment opportunities for citizens aged 60+.
National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE): Offers geriatric healthcare in 713 districts.
Elderline: Helpline for grievance redressal, counselling, and emergency support.
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Monthly pension for BPL elderly aged 60+ and 80+.
Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (2007 & 2019 Amendment): Legal duty on children to ensure dignified life for elderly parents.

Health Insecurity: Inadequate geriatric care infrastructure, rising chronic diseases like diabetes and dementia, limited mental health support.
Economic Vulnerability: Limited pension coverage, forcing many—especially widows and rural women—to depend on family or informal work.
Social Isolation: Urban migration and decline of joint families lead to emotional neglect and social disconnection.
Digital Divide: Limited access to smartphones, internet, and digital literacy excludes elderly from telemedicine, online banking, and e-governance.
Infrastructure Gaps: Urban spaces remain unsafe and inaccessible, with poor transport, lack of ramps, handrails, and emergency response systems.

Strengthen Silver Economy: Promote public–private partnerships in eldercare technology, insurance models, and retirement homes.
Integrated Policy Framework: Ensure coordination among Health, Social Justice, Finance, and Housing ministries for unified elderly welfare implementation.
Expand Geriatric Healthcare: Establish geriatric wards in district hospitals; enhance telemedicine under Ayushman Bharat.
Enhance Social Security: Universalise pension schemes; expand formal caregiver training to professionalize elderly care.
Promote Digital Inclusion: Nationwide programs for seniors to learn e-governance, digital payments, and telehealth services.
Community Engagement: Foster intergenerational initiatives in schools and communities to cultivate empathy, family bonding, and respect for the elderly.

India’s ageing population presents both a social responsibility and an economic opportunity.
Empowering seniors through care, inclusion, and dignity is essential for the nation’s moral and developmental progress.
A future-ready India must view its elderly not as dependents but as active partners in achieving Viksit Bharat 2047.

Source : PIB