India's Elderly Population: Status, Challenges & Way Ahead

Table of contents

As Indian family structures transition from joint to nuclear setups, the elderly face increased marginalization and isolation. The evolving socio-economic landscape, coupled with rising individualism and global influences, calls for a redefinition of elderly care.
While society holds the responsibility of providing respect & support, the elderly must also embrace self-preparation mentally, physically, and financially to sustain dignity & independence in their twilight years.

According to the Census 2011, there are nearly 104 million elderly persons (aged 60 years or above) in India, 53 million of whom are females and 51 million of whom are males.
A report released by the United Nations Population Fund and HelpAge India suggests that the number of elderly persons is expected to grow to 173 million by 2026.

Elderly population population

Credit: India Today

Harnessing Experience and Wisdom: Elderly individuals act as mentors and knowledge repositories, contributing to nation-building and governance. E.g., Tamil Nadu’s Elderly Self-Help Groups.
Family Stability and Emotional Anchors: They play a pivotal role in preserving cultural values and providing emotional security within families. E.g., Joint family system.
Social Harmony and Ethical Compass: Their wisdom serves as a moral guide to counter rising intolerance and social conflicts. E.g., PM Modi’s emphasis on elderly wisdom in ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
Preventing Financial Insecurity: Financial independence helps in avoiding neglect and ensuring self-dignity during old age. E.g., IGNOAPS and SCSS.
Mental Preparation and Self-Sufficiency: A Proactive mindset toward independent living enhances life satisfaction. E.g., “Don’t make a property for your children; make them assets for themselves”.
Redefining Old-Age Homes: Transforming them into community spaces for companionship rather than mere shelters for the abandoned. E.g., Vridhashram Seva Yojana (MP).

Challenges Faced by Elderly Population

Social Isolation: The shift to nuclear families and rising urban migration has led to 20% of urban and 10% of rural elderly living alone, increasing loneliness (NSO 2021).
Elder Abuse: Nearly 50% of elderly face emotional, physical, or financial abuse, yet only 15% report it due to fear and dependency (HelpAge India 2023).
Economic Vulnerability: Limited pension coverage, with only 10% of elderly and 5% in rural areas having financial security (PFRDA 2023), makes many elderly dependent on family or informal work.
Health Issues: About 75% of elderly suffer from chronic illnesses like diabetes and arthritis, while 20% face mental health issues like depression (LASI 2021).
Feminization of Ageing: Higher life expectancy leaves over 50% of elderly women as widows, facing social exclusion, lack of property rights, and financial insecurity (Census 2011).

Article 41 (DPSP): Mandates State to assist in cases of old age, unemployment, sickness, & disablement.
Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution: Old age pension is under the State List (Item 9), while the Concurrent List (Items 20, 23, 24) allows both Union and State governments to frame policies on social security and social planning.

Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Guaranteed pension scheme for unorganised sector workers.
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY): Pension scheme offering assured returns for senior citizens (60+), administered by LIC.
Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana (VPBY): Provides assured pension with guaranteed returns for senior citizens.
Reverse Mortgage Scheme: Allows senior citizens to mortgage their property and receive regular income while residing in it.

National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE): Geriatric care services at district and sub-district levels.
Ayushman Bharat– PMJAY (2024 Expansion): Additional ₹5 lakh coverage for senior citizens aged 70+.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): Free assistive devices for BPL senior citizens.
National Institute of Ageing (NIA): Research and specialized treatment for geriatric diseases.

Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity (SACRED): Digital platform linking senior citizens with job opportunities.
Silver Economy Initiative: Promotes startups offering elderly care services.
Skill Development Programmes: Supports self-employment and digital literacy for senior citizens.

Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): Grants for old age homes, day care centres, and medical care.
Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund (SCWF): Funds welfare projects from unclaimed deposits in savings accounts.
Day Care Centres for Senior Citizens: Community-based centres offering recreational and healthcare support.

Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (2007): Ensures financial and emotional support from children.
Elder Line (14567): National helpline for senior citizens’ grievances.
NALSA Legal Aid Services: Free legal support for senior citizens.

Legislative Reforms: Fast-track the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2019, to regulate home-based elderly care and enhance legal safeguards.
Formalising Caregiving Sector: Recognise caregiving as a skilled profession with standardised training, minimum wages, and social security benefits.
Home-Based Care Policy: Frame a National Home Care Policy to streamline vocational training, digital caregiver registries, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Strengthening Pension Systems: Expand pension coverage to the unorganised sector with periodic adjustments linked to inflation.
Accessible Healthcare: Set up geriatric care units at district hospitals, promote telemedicine, and deploy mobile health units under NPHCE.
Volunteer-Based Models: Introduce Time Bank systems in which volunteers earn credits by helping the elderly, which are redeemable in old age.
Digital Literacy: Launch campaigns under Digital India to help the elderly access online services and social networks.
Community Engagement: Promote senior citizen clubs and intergenerational bonding initiatives to prevent social isolation.

[UPSC 2019] How is the growth of the elderly population challenging Indian society?
[UPSC 2019] The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Critically examine the role of the public sector in providing healthcare services to the elderly in India.
[UPSC 2017] The emergence of the ‘gig economy’ has had significant implications for the workforce in India. Discuss the challenges and opportunities it presents, particularly concerning social security for the elderly.
[UPSC 2013] Growing feeling of loneliness and isolation among the elderly is a cause for concern. Suggest measures to address this problem.

Reference: The Hindu | PIB

Introduction: Briefly introduce the answer by highlighting the data of elderly population of India.
Body: Discuss India’s demographic transition and the relevance of elderly as a societal investment.
Conclusion: Write a way forward and conclude by highlighting the need for a holistic approach.