India, a nation known for its youthful demographic dividend, is now encountering a significant shift towards an ageing population. This demographic transformation presents both challenges and opportunities as the proportion of elderly individuals in the country steadily increases. Factors such as improved healthcare, better living standards, and declining fertility rates have contributed to longer life expectancy, subsequently swelling the ranks of the elderly. By 2050, it is projected that over 19% of India’s population will be aged 60 and above, a dramatic rise from 8% in 2011. This ageing trend necessitates comprehensive policy reforms and strategic planning to ensure the well-being and integration of senior citizens into the socio-economic fabric of the country. Addressing the needs of an ageing population will be crucial for sustainable development, requiring a balanced approach that promotes economic security, healthcare accessibility, and social inclusion for India’s elderly.
Tags: GS – 2. Govt. Policies & Interventions– Issues Related to Elderly – Human Resource
Context:
- The ageing phenomenon stands out as a defining experience of the 21st century, characterised by significant improvements in human longevity alongside historically low reproduction rates.
About the Ageing Population in India:
- Projected Growth of Elderly Population
- Current Population: India’s elderly population, currently at 153 million (aged 60 and above), is expected to nearly double, reaching 347 million by 2050.
- India Ageing Report 2023
- Percentage Growth: The elderly population is projected to grow from 10.5% of the total population in 2022 to 20.8% by 2050.
- Population Increase: The number of individuals aged 60 and above is anticipated to rise from 14.9 crore to an estimated 34.7 crore.
- Age Structure Reversal
- By 2046, the elderly population is expected to surpass the number of children (aged 0 to 15 years), indicating a shift from a historically young populace to an ageing demographic.
- National Commission on Population Report (2020)
- Growth Rate and Projections: The elderly population is currently growing at an estimated decadal rate of 41% and is projected to constitute over 20% of the total population by 2050.
- Comprehensive Review:
- Data Sources: The report draws on data from the Longitudinal Ageing Survey in India (LASI), Census of India, and Population Projections by the Government of India.
- Growth Rate: The elderly population is currently growing at an estimated rate of 41% per decade, with projections showing it will double to 20.8% of the total population by 2050.
- Sex Ratio Among Elderly
- Trend: The sex ratio (females per 1,000 males) among the elderly has been steadily increasing since 1991, unlike the stagnating ratio in the general population.
- Census 2011 Data: India has 104 million older people (60+ years), making up 8.6% of the total population, with females outnumbering males in this age group.
| Who Qualifies as Elderly? WHO Definition: Age Group: 60-74 years. Classification: Elderly UN Recommendations (1980): Age of Transition: 60 years Categories: Young Old: 60-75 years, Old-Old: 75-85 years, Very Old: 85 years and above World Population Data Sheet (2002): Age Group: 65+ years. Classification: Aged Population Indian Context: Age Group: 60 years and above, Basis: Census of India and age of retirement in the government sector. |
Demographics of the Elderly:
- Gender Ratio: Predominantly female with 1,065 females per thousand males.
- Widowhood: 54% of elderly women will be widows.
- Living Alone: 6% of elderly men and 9% of elderly women live alone.
- Rural Elderly: 70% residing in rural areas.
Primary Factors Contributing to the Ageing Phenomenon in India:
- Increased Longevity
- Healthcare Advancements: Significant improvements in healthcare services, medical technology, treatments, and preventive care.
- Life Expectancy: WHO reports an increase in life expectancy from 62.1 years in 2000 to 67.3 years in 2021.
- Improved Living Conditions
- Better Living Standards: Access to clean water, sanitation, and improved nutrition.
- Sanitation Coverage: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has reduced waterborne diseases through increased sanitation coverage.
- Decreased Fertility Rates
- Family Planning: Successful implementation of family planning programs.
- Total Fertility Rate: According to NFHS 2019-21, TFR has declined to 2.0 children per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1.
- Socio-Economic Changes
- Female Education and Workforce Participation: Higher education and workforce participation among women lead to delayed marriages and fewer children.
- Urbanisation: Smaller family norms due to the higher cost and demands of raising children in urban areas.
- Kerala Model: High literacy rates and advanced healthcare contribute to high life expectancy and low fertility rates, serving as a model for managing the ageing population.
The Various Challenges Associated with the Elderly Population in India:
- Restrictions in Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
- Prevalence of Restrictions: Approximately 20% of the elderly face limitations in activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.
- Impact of Support Systems: Elders living alone or lacking family support often struggle with ADLs, increasing their dependence on caregiving services.
- Multi-Morbidity
- Chronic Conditions: About 75% of the elderly in India suffer from multiple chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular issues.
- Impact on Quality of Life: Coexistence of these conditions reduces quality of life and escalates healthcare requirements.
- Poverty
- Economic Vulnerability: More than 40% of India’s elderly belong to the poorest wealth quintile, with about 18.7% having no income.
- Quality of Life Impact: Economic instability affects their healthcare access and overall well-being significantly.
- Changing Healthcare Needs
- Demographic Challenge: With elder population growth outpacing younger generations, meeting diverse healthcare needs becomes crucial.
- Specialised Services: Elderly require specialised medical services like telemedicine, physiotherapy, mental health counselling, and pharmaceutical support at home.
- Social Issues:
- Neglect and Stigma: Factors like familial neglect, low education, socio-cultural beliefs, and distrust in institutional healthcare worsen conditions for elders.
- Access Inequity: Inequitable access to facilities compounds challenges, limiting physical, financial, and psychological support for the elderly.
- ‘Inherently Gendered’:
- Feminization of Ageing: A higher proportion of elderly women compared to men face challenges like widowhood, economic dependency, and limited assets.
- Sex Ratio Trends: The sex ratio among the elderly has varied, showing higher ratios in earlier decades but stabilising around 1033 females per 1000 males in 2011.
- Inadequate Welfare Schemes:
- Healthcare Coverage Gaps: Despite schemes like Ayushman Bharat, 400 million Indians lack financial health coverage.
- Pension Challenges: State and central pension schemes offer minimal support, with some providing as little as ₹350-₹400 monthly, which isn’t universally accessible.
Steps Should be Taken to Empower the Elderly Population in India:
- Protection from Destitution
- Besides pensions, access to healthcare, disability aids, assistance with daily tasks, recreational opportunities, and social engagement are crucial for their well-being.
- Emulating the Frontrunners
- States like Odisha and Rajasthan have achieved near-universal social security pensions, setting examples for others.
- Revamping the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) nationwide would streamline pension distribution and benefit all states uniformly.
- Recognising
- Policies must address the needs of elderly women, particularly widows. Focus should be on supporting vulnerable older women to live independently and respectfully.
- Welfare & Bills:
- Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Bill aims to regulate and set standards for home-based elder care services, yet awaits parliamentary approval since its introduction in 2019.
- Building an Elderly Inclusive Society
- Promoting community integration ensures elderly remain active contributors rather than isolated in facilities. Leveraging their skills and experience benefits society, fostering their active participation in community life.
- Transforming the Perception of the Elderly
- Innovative programs like U3A offer continuous learning opportunities, empowering elderly with knowledge and skills.
- Schemes like Singapore’s Senior Employment Scheme match elderly job seekers with employers, recognizing their reliability and experience.
| Initiatives Taken by Indian Government: SACRED PortalSAGE (Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine)Elder LineIntegrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP)Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)The Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana YojanaVayoshreshtha SammanMaintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, 2007 |
Conclusion:
Innovative institutions and social agencies are pivotal in reshaping the elderly’s perception from burdens to valuable assets. Through initiatives promoting education, employment, volunteering, health, wellness, and social inclusion, policies must empower the elderly and integrate them into active societal roles.
| UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question Prelims: Q:1 Consider the following statements with reference to Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): (2008) 1. All persons of 60 years or above belonging to the households below poverty line in rural areas are eligible. 2. The Central Assistance under this Scheme is at the rate of `300 per month per beneficiary. Under the Scheme, States have been urged to give matching amounts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: D Mains: Q:1 Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process. Discuss. (2019) |
Source:TH
FAQs
Q: What are the primary reasons for the ageing population in India?
- The ageing population in India is primarily due to increased life expectancy and declining birth rates. Advances in healthcare, improved living conditions, and better nutrition have significantly reduced mortality rates, allowing people to live longer. Simultaneously, family planning policies and socio-economic changes have contributed to a reduction in the number of children being born.
Q: How does the ageing population impact the Indian economy?
- An ageing population can strain the economy in various ways. It increases the dependency ratio, meaning fewer working-age people are supporting more retirees. This shift can lead to higher healthcare and pension costs, potentially reducing funds available for other economic investments. Additionally, a smaller workforce can lead to reduced economic productivity and growth.
Q: What challenges does the ageing population pose to India’s healthcare system?
- The ageing population presents several challenges to the healthcare system, including a higher prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis, which require long-term care and management. The healthcare infrastructure may also face increased demand for geriatric care services, long-term care facilities, and specialized healthcare professionals trained to address the needs of older adults.
Q: What social issues arise from an ageing population in India?
- Social issues stemming from an ageing population include the need for enhanced social support systems and the potential for increased elder abuse and neglect. There is also a growing demand for age-friendly infrastructure and services, such as accessible transportation and housing. Furthermore, the traditional family support system is under strain as more younger individuals migrate to urban areas or abroad for better opportunities.
Q: What measures can be taken to address the challenges of an ageing population in India?
- Several measures can be taken to address these challenges, including:
- Policy Reforms: Implementing policies focused on elderly welfare, such as improved pension schemes, and social security systems.
- Healthcare Improvements: Expanding healthcare services tailored to the elderly, including preventive care, long-term care facilities, and training for healthcare professionals in geriatric care.
- Promoting Active Ageing: Encouraging older adults to remain active and engaged in the community through lifelong learning, volunteering, and part-time employment opportunities.
- Support Systems: Strengthening community support systems and non-profit organizations dedicated to elder care and support.
- Technological Integration: Leveraging technology to provide telemedicine, remote monitoring, and other innovations to improve healthcare access and quality for older adults.
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