"Understanding India's Aging Population"

A recent United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report reveals that India’s elderly population is expected to double to over 20% of the total population by 2050, posing significant challenges. The report emphasizes the feminization and “ruralization” of the older population, calling for tailored policies.

Over 40% of India’s elderly fall within the poorest wealth quintile, with approximately 18.7% living without income, raising concerns about their quality of life and access to healthcare. The report projects a 279% growth rate in the population aged 80 and above between 2022 and 2050, with a predominance of widowed and highly dependent elderly women.

Women, on average, exhibit higher life expectancy at ages 60 and 80 compared to men, with regional variations. This raises concerns about the social and economic well-being of elderly women, particularly in states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.

The sex ratio among the elderly has been steadily rising, with central India witnessing a significant shift where women outperformed men in survival after 60. The report highlights the gendered nature of poverty in old age, with older women, often widowed and without income, relying heavily on family support.

Inter-state variations in elderly population levels and growth are significant, reflecting demographic transition disparities. States in the southern and select northern regions report a higher share of the elderly population than the national average. Conversely, states with higher fertility rates, such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, expect an increase in the elderly population share but remain below the national average.

The report also addresses the response to elderly people’s needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the necessity for disaster-preparedness plans focused on older persons. It calls for better data collection on issues related to the elderly and recommends increasing awareness about elderly schemes, regulating Old Age Homes, and promoting in-situ aging.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindu