The population of elderly people in the country is increasing rapidly and it is estimated that by the year 2036 this number will cross 22.74 crores. This increase is considered a major change in the demography of India, because with the increasing aging population there is a decline in access to health services, social security, economic dependence and digital The needs of facilities will also increase significantly (India Aging Population 2036).
According to experts, with the pace at which the elderly population is increasing, it is becoming mandatory to focus on elderly-friendly policies, infrastructure and care systems.
Congress MP C.K. In response to a question asked by Kumar Reddy in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai cited the report of the technical group of the National Population Commission. According to the report, while the number of citizens aged 60 years and above was 10.16 crore in 2011, it is expected to more than double to 22.74 crore by 2036.
Over the same period, the share of senior citizens in the total population is expected to increase from 8.4% to 14.9% — meaning 1 in every 7 Indians will be elderly in 2036 (India Aging Population 2036). The estimated total population at that time is likely to be around 153 crores.
Government preparations and plans
The Minister of State for Home said that the increase in the elderly population will pose new challenges in areas like health, social security, economic self-reliance and digital access. In view of these needs, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment implemented Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY) from 1 April 2021. The objective of this scheme is to provide accommodation, food, health services, recreation and psycho-social support to senior citizens, so that they can live an active and dignified old age.
Citizen Welfare Policies). The government has also constituted the National Council of Senior Citizens, which includes experts and representatives from various fields. This council helps the Center in determining the direction of policy suggestions and reforms related to senior citizens.
Every fifth Indian will be elderly by 2050
It is also noteworthy that NITI Aayog has already warned that the elderly population will increase more rapidly in the future (India Aging Population 2036). In the report of the year 2023, the Commission had said that due to decline in birth rate and increasing health awareness, the share of elderly people in the total population of India can reach 19.5% by 2050.
That means every fifth Indian will be a senior citizen. This means that the country will have to strengthen its needs like health services, care centres, pension system, digital usage training and home-assisted support systems from now on.
Comments are closed.