India is experiencing a significant demographic shift with a growing ageing population. According to Census 2011, India has 104 million people aged 60 years and older, constituting 8.6% of the total population. This number is expected to rise to 193 million by 2030, making up about 13% of the population. As per the UNFPA Report 2023, the elderly population is projected to double to over 20% by 2050. This editorial explores the vulnerabilities faced by the ageing population and highlights potential solutions for ensuring their social and financial independence.
This editorial is based on “An Ageing India: The Magnitude and the Multitude,” published in The Hindu on June 18, 2024. The article discusses the vulnerabilities faced by the ageing population and explores potential solutions for achieving social and financial independence in the later stages of life.
Understanding the challenges faced by the ageing population is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it aligns with GS Paper 2 topics like Government Policies & Interventions and Issues Related to the elderly. It helps aspirants develop a comprehensive understanding of social justice and human resource management.
The topic of the ageing population in India is currently in the news due to the increasing proportion of elderly individuals, which poses significant social and economic challenges. The 2023 UNFPA Report projects that by 2050, over 20% of India’s population will be elderly. This demographic shift necessitates urgent policy interventions and has been a recurring theme in UPSC exams, emphasizing the need for inclusive and sustainable welfare measures for the elderly.
Different organizations define the elderly population with varying age thresholds. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies individuals aged 60–74 years as elderly. The United Nations (UN) recommends 60 years as the age of transition to elderly status. In India, the Census of India aligns with the government retirement age, adopting 60 years to classify a person as elderly.
The WHO categorizes the elderly into three groups: Young Old (60-74 years), Old-Old (75-85 years), and Very Old (85 years and above). This classification helps in understanding and addressing the specific needs of different age groups within the elderly population.
In 1980, the UN recommended 60 years as the age of transition for the elderly. This recommendation standardizes the definition globally, allowing for consistent policy formulation and resource allocation for the elderly population.
In India, the Census adopts 60 years as the age threshold for defining the elderly. This is in line with the government retirement age, ensuring that policies and social security measures are targeted appropriately towards this demographic.
India’s ageing population is driven by increased longevity and socio-economic changes. Improvements in healthcare and living conditions have significantly extended life expectancy. Simultaneously, decreased fertility rates and socio-economic factors like female education and urbanization have contributed to this demographic shift.
Advancements in healthcare services have been pivotal in extending life expectancy in India. According to WHO, life expectancy has improved from 62.1 years in 2000 to 67.3 years in 2021, reflecting the impact of better medical technology and preventive care.
Improved access to clean water, sanitation, and nutrition have also contributed to longer lifespans. Initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan have significantly enhanced sanitation coverage, reducing waterborne diseases and improving overall health.
Family planning programs have successfully reduced fertility rates in India. As per NFHS-5 (2019-21), the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined to 2.0 children per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1, indicating effective population control measures.
Increased female education and workforce participation have contributed to lower fertility rates and higher life expectancy. Urbanization has led to smaller family norms, as raising children in urban areas is more expensive and demanding.
India has several legal provisions to protect the elderly. These include constitutional directives, specific sections in personal laws, and dedicated acts aimed at ensuring their welfare and maintenance.
Article 41 and Article 46 of the Indian Constitution provide directives for the welfare of the elderly. While not enforceable by law, these articles create a positive obligation for the state to support the elderly.
Section 20 of the Hindu Marriage and Adoption Act of 1956 mandates the maintenance of aged parents, ensuring that children are legally bound to support their elderly parents.
Under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, elderly parents can claim maintenance from their children, providing a legal recourse for financial support.
This act mandates that children or heirs maintain their parents or senior citizens, providing a legal framework for their welfare and protection.
The elderly population in India faces numerous challenges, including health issues, economic vulnerability, and social neglect. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive policies and support systems.
About 20% of the elderly experience difficulties in basic self-care activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. This necessitates increased caregiving services and support for those living alone.
The coexistence of multiple chronic conditions is prevalent among the elderly, affecting their quality of life. According to the Longitudinal Ageing Survey of India (LASI), 75% of the elderly suffer from one or more chronic diseases.
Economic vulnerability is a significant concern, with over 40% of the elderly in the poorest wealth quintile. Approximately 18.7% live without any income, highlighting the need for stable financial support systems.
Elderly individuals require specialized medical services, including teleconsultations, physiotherapy, and mental health counselling. The growing elderly population necessitates a shift towards more comprehensive and accessible healthcare services.
Familial neglect, low education levels, and socio-cultural beliefs exacerbate the challenges faced by the elderly. Inequity in access to facilities further compounds these issues, leading to neglect and isolation.
The feminization of ageing, where more women reach older ages than men, presents unique challenges. Elderly women are more likely to be widowed, live alone, and lack financial resources, making them particularly vulnerable.
Despite schemes like Ayushman Bharat, many elderly people lack financial coverage for health expenses. Pension schemes often provide insufficient amounts, highlighting the need for more robust and universal welfare programs.
| Political: The political response includes legal protections like Articles 41 and 46 of the Constitution and the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. The government also supports through welfare schemes such as the SACRED Portal and the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme. Effective enactment and enhancement of policies such as the proposed Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2019, are essential for improving elderly care services. Economic: Economically, the ageing population presents a dual challenge of increasing healthcare costs and the need for sustainable pension systems. Over 40% of the elderly are economically vulnerable, highlighting the necessity for robust social security systems. Emulating successful models from states like Kerala could provide pathways to ensure economic security for the elderly. Social: Social challenges include daily living restrictions, multi-morbidity, and social isolation, particularly impacting elderly women. Social initiatives aimed at integrating the elderly into mainstream society, such as the University of the Third Age (U3A) and programs addressing gender disparities, are crucial for enhancing their quality of life. Technological: Advancements in healthcare technology have increased longevity, contributing to the ageing population. Continued innovation in medical care, especially home healthcare services and telemedicine, could address the changing healthcare needs efficiently. Environmental: Improved living conditions such as access to clean water and sanitation have contributed to increased life expectancies. Ongoing environmental improvements are vital for maintaining these living standards, particularly for the vulnerable elderly population. Legal: The legal framework provides a backbone for elderly care. Strengthening and enforcing existing laws, along with passing new legislation like the 2019 amendment bill for elderly care, are pivotal in protecting the rights and welfare of the elderly. |
Various global and Indian initiatives aim to improve the welfare of the elderly. These initiatives focus on providing financial support, healthcare, and social integration for the ageing population.
Empowering the elderly requires protection from destitution, policy reforms, and societal integration. These steps ensure a dignified and independent life for the ageing population.
Pensions and support facilities are crucial to prevent destitution among the elderly. Reforms in social security pensions and healthcare support can help address their financial and health needs.
Learning from southern and poorer states like Odisha and Rajasthan, which have near-universal social security pensions, can guide other states in improving elderly welfare.
Policies should cater to the specific needs of elderly women, who are more likely to be widowed and financially dependent. Addressing their vulnerabilities can ensure a respectable and independent life.
Collaboration between relevant ministries can expedite reforms. The proposed bill aims to regulate home-based care for older people, ensuring quality standards and support.
Integrating the elderly into mainstream society, rather than isolating them in old-age homes, can leverage their experience and skills, benefiting both the elderly and society.
Innovative institutions and social agencies can transform the perception of the elderly from liabilities to assets. Programs like the University of the Third Age and Senior Employment Schemes empower the elderly and integrate them into productive roles.
Innovative institutions and social agencies play a crucial role in transforming the perception of the elderly from liabilities to assets. By providing opportunities for education, employment, volunteering, health and wellness, and social inclusion, policy initiatives should empower the elderly and integrate them into productive societal roles. This not only enhances their quality of life but also enriches our society with their valuable experiences and wisdom.
| UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Mains Q. Critically examine whether the growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India. (GS-I, 2015) Q. Identify and analyze the primary challenges associated with the growing elderly population in India. How do these challenges impact the healthcare, social security, and economic sectors? |
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