Healthy Ageing: Benefits & Challenges Associated

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As India stands at the cusp of a demographic transition, the challenge is not just to extend life expectancy but to ensure a life of dignity, productivity, and well-being for its elderly.
The IMF’s World Economic Outlook (2024) warns of a potential 70 bps decline in India’s GDP annually due to an ageing population between 2025 and 2050. However, a “Healthy Ageing” approach can convert this demographic liability into a demographic dividend.

Elderly Population and Ageing in India: Key Statistics

Indicator	Data
Elderly Population	104 million in 2011; projected 319 million (19% of population) by 2050 – UNFPA
NCD Burden	70% of elderly deaths due to non-communicable diseases – ICMR
Mental Health	One in five older adults suffer from depression or anxiety; fewer than 10% receive adequate care, according to NIMHANS.
Disability	22% of the elderly face disabilities; high dependency on informal care – NIH
Geriatric Infrastructure	Only 18 Regional Geriatric Centres under NPHCE (2023)

Challenges to Healthy Ageing in India

Inadequate Geriatric Care: India has only 18 Regional Geriatric Centres under NPHCE (2023), with a severe shortage of age-friendly hospitals and long-term care homes.
Gender Vulnerabilities: Women constitute 55% of India’s elderly population (UNFPA, 2023), but face lower workforce participation, limited pension coverage, and greater health neglect.
Mental Isolation: Around 20% of elderly suffer from mental disorders like depression and anxiety (NIMHANS), largely due to urban migration and disintegration of joint families.
Reactive Healthcare System: India’s health delivery remains curative-focused, with less than 10% elderly receiving regular preventive screenings for chronic conditions (ICMR).
Digital Divide: Only 15% of the elderly in rural areas are digitally literate (MoSJE, 2022), restricting access to telemedicine, online services, and digital grievance redressal.

Benefits of Promoting Healthy Ageing in India

Economic Growth Catalyst: Promoting healthy ageing could boost GDP by 60 basis points annually by 2050, countering the economic drag of an ageing population.
Prolonged Productive Engagement: A 70-year-old in 2022 has cognitive abilities similar to a 53-year-old in 2000, allowing for longer participation in the workforce.
Reduced Healthcare Burden: Emphasis on preventive and promotive healthcare can reduce elderly-related healthcare costs by up to 30%, easing pressure on public health systems.
Technology-Enabled Geriatric Care: The use of AI in over 2 million retinal scans demonstrates the potential for affordable and accessible diagnostics in rural areas, enhancing early detection and care.
Enhanced Social Capital & Community Strengthening: Active seniors contribute as mentors, caregivers, and volunteers, reducing social isolation and strengthening intergenerational bonds.

Government Initiatives for Promoting Healthy Ageing in India

National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly: Launched in 2010, it offers comprehensive geriatric care services at various levels through geriatric OPDs and hospital wards.
Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana: Scheme for active and dignified ageing through support for old age homes, day care centres, and helplines under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens.
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme: Monthly pensions for the elderly (60+) Below Poverty Line (BPL) under the National Social Assistance Programme for basic income security.
Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Arogya Yojana: Offers ₹5 lakh annual health insurance for families, including elderly members, covering secondary and tertiary healthcare.
Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme: As a component of RSBY, it provides additional health coverage of up to ₹30,000 for senior citizens (60+) from BPL families.
E-Sanjeevani Telemedicine: A flagship digital health initiative offering free teleconsultations from home, benefiting the elderly in remote and underserved areas by providing access to specialists.
SAGE (Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine) Programme: Supports start-ups creating solutions for the elderly, such as assisted living and health diagnostics.

Measures for Healthy Ageing in India

Dedicated Geriatric Units: Set up specialised geriatric care wards in district hospitals and medical colleges to address the unique health needs of the elderly.
Skilled Workforce: Train more doctors, nurses, and community health workers in geriatrics and age-related diseases to improve elderly care services.
Long-Term and Palliative Care: Expand infrastructure for long-term care homes and hospice services, particularly in underserved rural and semi-urban areas.
Preventive Health Programs: Conduct regular screenings for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and cognitive decline in elderly populations.
Health Promotion Campaigns: Launch awareness drives promoting active ageing, encouraging physical activity, balanced diets, and mental well-being among senior citizens.

Promoting healthy ageing through healthcare, pension reform, and technology aligns with SDG Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). This can transform India’s demographic challenges into opportunities, enhancing elderly well-being and driving inclusive economic growth.

Reference: Business Standard | PMFIAS: India’s Elderly Population

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 179

Q. Healthy ageing presents new opportunities amid India’s demographic transition. Discuss the socio-economic benefits and suggest measures to harness the potential of the ageing population. (250 Words) (15 Marks)

Approach

Introduction: Write briefly about the future projection of elderly populations and mention the significance of healthy ageing.
Body: Discuss the socio-economic benefits of healthy ageing and suggest measures to tap the potential of the ageing population.
Conclusion: Emphasis on harnessing the potential of health ageing and focus on improving the quality of life for older people and driving socio-economic growth.