An Ageing India, The Magnitude and the Multitude

The ageing phenomenon is the most notable experience of this century with remarkable improvement in human longevity complemented by the lowest levels of reproduction.

Magnitude and the Multitude of Ageing India

• In Indian conditions, in particular, the four vulnerabilities of later ages in life course are in terms of restrictions in activities of daily living, multi-morbidity, poverty and absence of any income.
• On these counts, the Longitudinal Ageing Survey of India (LASI, 2017-18) reports that about 20% of the elderly population experience each of these vulnerabilities with widespread variation across the States.
• The remedial approach to address these vulnerabilities requires a multi-pronged approach involving the principles of inclusion and adoption of social security measures.
• Viewing these vulnerabilities as a life course phenomenon, promotion of life preparatory measures has to be put in place; this need not be limited to financial or economic independence per se but also means to ensure healthy active and productive years given the elongated life span owing to increased longevity.
• Health promotional measures among late-age adults need particular emphasis to ensure healthy ageing in future that would facilitate mainstreaming the elderly population in multiple productive spheres of activities.
• The projected magnitude of the elderly population is estimated at 319 million by mid- century, growing by around 3% a year.
• This group will be feminine with a sex ratio of 1,065 females per thousand males; further, 54% of elderly women will be widows.
• While 6% of the elderly men live alone against 9% of their female counterparts, 70% of them are to be found in rural areas.
• These statistics can be of great use in terms of targeting welfare measures for this population.

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Conclusion

Addressing India’s ageing population requires a multi-pronged approach to ensure financial security, health, and productivity, targeting diverse vulnerabilities and fostering inclusive, healthy ageing.