Challenges Faced by Older People in India

Source: The post challenges faced by older people in India has been created, based on the article “The other side of demographic dividend: Can we take care of our elderly?” published in “Indian Express” on 31st July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States.

Context: The article discusses India’s ageing population, highlighting the lack of adequate social security, pensions, and health care for older people. It contrasts this with East Asian countries, emphasizing the urgent need for better policies and support systems in India.

For detailed information on Elderly Population in India read Article1, Article 2

What is the Current Demographic Trend in India?

1. Increasing Elderly Population: The elderly population in India is expected to rise from 8.6% in 2011 to 20.8% by 2050.
2. Regional Differences: States like Himachal Pradesh and Punjab have higher elderly populations than the national average.
3. Rapid Aging: Aging in India and other Asian countries is happening much faster compared to Western countries, occurring in just 20-30 years.

What are the Challenges Faced by Older People in India?

1. Health Issues: According to the Longitudinal Ageing Survey in India (LASI), many older adults suffer from multiple morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions. Health issues vary based on location, socioeconomic status, and gender.
2. Financial Insecurity: The Helpage India Report 2024 reveals significant gaps in access to financial security and healthcare for older people across India, particularly affecting the middle classes not in government service. It shows that older people often rely on family support due to the lack of comprehensive social pensions and health insurance programs.
3. Inadequate Healthcare Access: Programs like Ayushman Bharat are limited to those below the poverty line. Older adults face difficulties with long processing times and claim rejections in insurance schemes like CGHS and ESIS.
4. Lack of Social Security: India lacks a universal public pension scheme. Existing pensions and health insurance schemes are mainly for those below the poverty line or in government service.
5. Changing Family Structures: Rapid changes in family structures, with the spread of nuclear families, pose additional challenges for elderly care, especially in urban areas.

What Needs to Change in Public Policy?

1. Public policy needs to address the inequalities older people face in accessing financial and healthcare services.
2. As India’s population continues to age, it is crucial to develop better support systems for healthy aging, not only to improve the lives of the elderly but to ensure societal stability as the demographic landscape shifts.

Question for practice:

Examine the key challenges faced by the elderly population in India and the necessary changes in public policy to address these issues.