Editorial: India’s ageing challenge
Without regular check-ins, social engagement, or reliable systems of care, many elderly individuals are left to fend for themselves
With the growing elderly population, India faces a significant demographic challenge. More than 10% of our population—over 14 crore people—are already aged 60 years or above. By 2050, this number is expected to double, and for the first time in history, the elderly will outnumber children under 15. According to the United Nations Population Fund’s India Ageing Report 2023, India’s elderly population is projected to surpass its child population by 2046. There is a need to reframe policies that prioritise geriatric care. The focus must shift from reactive hospital-based treatment to proactive community-based care. Experts suggest that integrating elder care into the primary health system, creating local care hubs, and leveraging technology for remote monitoring and tele-consultation can make a substantial difference. As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24, across the country, 7.7% of households consist solely of elderly members aged above 60 years, often with no more than two members. Without younger family members nearby to assist, these elderly individuals must rely on each other despite their own physical and emotional limitations. Such households frequently remain hidden from public view, yet they constitute one of the most vulnerable segments of society. The absence of younger family members or community networks further deepens their isolation. Without regular check-ins, social engagement, or reliable systems of care, many elderly individuals are left to fend for themselves. In the past, elders could depend on their children and extended families for physical, emotional, and financial support. Today, that safety net is eroding.
The rise of nuclear families following the breakdown of the traditional joint family structure and the migration of the youth to cities in search of livelihood has accentuated the plight of the elderly. Women, traditionally the primary caregivers, are increasingly participating in the workforce, which is a sign of progress but also a challenge for household caregiving. Increasingly, India’s elderly population is living alone or with only another senior partner. As India moves toward becoming an ageing society, it must build institutions that reflect compassion. Caring for our elderly is not an act of benevolence—it is the foundation of a humane and equitable society. There is a need to focus on investing in training, certification, and employment opportunities for professional caregivers such as home nurses, physiotherapists, geriatric aides, and social workers. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that unpaid care work contributes significantly to GDP, yet remains invisible in economic accounting. By formalising these roles, India could not only improve the quality of life for its elderly population but also open millions of new job opportunities. This would require coordinated efforts between government, private sector, and civil society—ranging from vocational training programmes to financial incentives for caregiving enterprises. At present, most of the medical colleges don’t have specialised training wings in geriatrics. This gap needs to be addressed immediately.
