No country for old women

Source: The post is based on the article “No country for old women” published in “The Hindu” on 6th October 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- Society- population and associated issues

News: The graphically illustrates the challenges faced by India’s growing elderly population, particularly women, in areas such as health, daily activities, and financial stability. It also highlights their lack of awareness about government support schemes.

What is the current status of India’s elderly population?        

Greying India: Since 2010, the population of senior citizens (60 and over) in India has significantly risen, while the under-15 population has decreased. By 2100, it’s anticipated that seniors will make up 36% of the total population.

Dependency by Region: India’s overall dependency ratio is 15.7, with the highest ratio in the southern region (19.4), followed by the west (16.9).

Sex Ratio Among Elderly: In 2021, for every 1000 elderly men in India, there are 1061 elderly women. The south region has 1136 women per 1000 men, while the west has 1120.

Ageing Index: India’s ageing index is 39.3, with the highest in the south at 61.7, followed by the west at 49.

What challenges do elderly women face?

Health Challenges: 30% of women over 60 have one morbidity and nearly 25% suffer from two morbidities, showing significant health concerns.

Daily Activities: Difficulty in basic self-care is evident since 30% struggle to get out of bed and 25% find it tough to eat and bathe without help, indicating a demand for assistance in daily living.

Financial Issues: With just 22% of elderly women employed, there is a distinct issue related to financial stability and self-sufficiency in this demographic.

Awareness and Access: Less than 25% of elderly women are informed about government concession schemes, suggesting a barrier in awareness and potentially accessing support services available to them.

Mental Health: The incidence of depression is higher among elderly women across different age groups, pointing towards additional mental health challenges.