The “India Ageing Report 2023” was recently released by UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) India and the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS). This important report offers insight into elderly care in India, as the country experiences a demographic shift towards an older population.
The report provides a comprehensive look at the living conditions and welfare of India’s older population. It uses the most recent data from several sources. These include the Longitudinal Ageing Survey in India (LASI) from 2017-18, the Census of India, Population Projections from the Indian Government for 2011-2036, and the World Population Prospects 2022 by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. This data gives a current viewpoint on the subject.
Population statistics commonly classify individuals aged 60 or 65 years and above as the ‘elderly’ segment.
Key Findings
- In recent years, there has been a significant surge in the proportion of elderly individuals in India. This upward trajectory is expected to persist in the forthcoming decades as well.
- In the coming decades, India is projected to experience a rapid increase in its aging population. By the year 2050, it is estimated that more than 20 per cent of India’s total population will consist of elderly individuals.
- The proportion of elderly individuals will increase, while the number of children aged 0-14 years will remain relatively stable. Additionally, there will be a decline in the number of individuals in the working-age group of 15-59 years.
- According to the “Ageing index,” India has 39 older persons per 100 children, based on the 2021 population estimates. Southern and western Indian states show a higher prevalence of aging compared to central and northern states.
- As of July 1, 2022, the elderly population in India, referring to individuals aged 60 and above, amounted to 149 million, accounting for 10.5% of the country’s total population. By 2050, it is projected that senior citizens will make up 20.8% or 347 million of the Indian population. Furthermore, this percentage is expected to exceed 36% by the end of the century.
State-Wise Difference
- The report emphasized the variations in the aging population across different states. In 2021, most states in the southern region, as well as select northern states like Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, had a higher proportion of elderly individuals compared to the national average. According to the report, this gap is projected to widen by 2036.
- States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, which have higher fertility rates and are still in the midst of a demographic transition, are also projected to experience a rise in the elderly population from 2021 to 2036. However, the proportion of elderly individuals in these states will continue to remain below the national average.
Women Will Live Longer Than Men
- Women will live longer than men, due to which the number of older women will be more than older men. A large number of them will be rural women.
- According to the report, in 1991, there were 930 elderly women for every 1,000 men. Since then, the ratio has been shifting and will continue to do so. The report predicts that by 2031, there will be 951 men for every 1,078 women.
- In India, a 60-year-old man can expect to live for an additional 18.3 years, while women can live for 19 years. Additionally, life expectancy can vary across different states. For instance, in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh, women tend to outlive men by up to 4 years.
Concerns Raised By The India Ageing Report 2023 And Key Recommendations
- The report reveals a higher incidence of widowhood and longer life expectancy among older women in India, leading to their increased susceptibility to health issues and functional limitations.
- There is a significant proportion of the elderly population residing in rural areas, who face exacerbated challenges due to isolation, income insecurity, and limited access to quality healthcare.
- The report emphasizes the necessity for improved awareness of government schemes and a stronger collaboration with the private sector.
- The role of community-based organizations in filling the gaps in scheme implementation is crucial.
- Gathering beneficiary feedback on health and financial security programs is recommended for enhancing the effectiveness of these initiatives.
- To mitigate the impact of disasters on the elderly, the report suggests improved disaster preparedness measures.
- Enhancing the data system on population aging is another key recommendation of the report.
Read Full Report here