Recently, the Union government reiterated in Parliament the provision of 30 days of leave under the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, that could be utilised for the care of elderly family members. Highlighting this provision in response to a written question in the Rajya Sabha assumes importance as the elderly population — defined as individuals above the age of 60 — is steadily increasing. It is projected that in India, by 2050, one in five individuals will be over the age of 60. This demographic shift towards elderly population calls for urgent, sustained attention and action to protect their rights and well-being.
Between 2011 and 2050, India’s elderly population is projected to rise from 104 million to 347 million. Three important demographic changes are leading to this shift in age structures: falling fertility rates, declining mortality, and an increasing life expectancy. In this context, a report titled “Ageing in India: challenges and opportunities” prepared by the Sankala Foundation, a research organisation based in Delhi, provides crucial insights into the status of the elderly in India while highlighting the emerging challenges and offering key recommendations for the future.
The report is based on in-depth research and consultation with experts, and primarily uses data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, Wave-1, 2017-18.
The southern States report some of the highest proportions of older adults, resulting in relatively increased old-age dependence ratios. As per the Census 2011, Kerala recorded the highest proportion of elderly at 12.6%, followed by Tamil Nadu at 10.4%. States in other parts of the country are experiencing a similar shift.
This demographic shift has ushered in complex challenges related to healthcare, social security, care-giving, economic dependence, mental health, and infrastructure accessibility. How can one take care of the elderly and what kind of care they would require in the future?
India’s traditional norm of parents residing with their children has provided a degree of support and economic security, but this has now changed. India’s elderly also face a high burden of non-communicable diseases, with a fifth of the elderly population reporting at least one chronic condition such as diabetes, hypertension or even physical disability. Chronic diseases, poor nutrition, disabilities and functional limitations severely hinder their ability to carry out activities of daily living , making them even more dependent caregivers. Increased dependence and isolation have resulted in a surge in cases of indebtedness. Today many elderly experience depression or depressive symptoms.
Robust framework
Though India has already established a robust framework of constitutional, legislative, and policy measures to safeguard the well-being of older persons, there are gaps in the implementation that need to be addressed. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment serves as the nodal Ministry, leading key initiatives and coordinating with other Ministries to promote elderly welfare. Its Integrated Programme for Older Persons (1992) was the first targeted policy, focusing on institutional care and support services. This was further advanced with the National Policy on Older Persons (1999), which adopted a more comprehensive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of the elderly.
Several other Ministries, including the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Rural Development, have implemented a range of policies addressing the health, nutrition, financial security, employment, and housing needs of older persons. The National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) addresses the needs of ageing populations. More recently, extending Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to provide ₹5 lakh in coverage for all individuals aged 70 and above marks a crucial step in reducing healthcare-related financial vulnerability among the elderly. A landmark legal protection for the aged parents is provided under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. However, most of these provisions, facilities and legal entitlements remain under-publicised and under-utilised.
There is need for a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach to address this silent crisis. One needs to work towards an integrated care system, with special attention towards long-term care, rehabilitative, palliative and mental health care. The elderly are a highly diverse group, bringing with them vast experience, knowledge and wisdom. It is, therefore, necessary to create opportunities and avenues for the elderly to participate in the workforce for as long as they can do so. The elderly also face a high risk of discrimination due to age, which calls for value-based education and intergenerational approaches to reduce ageism. In addition to the social environment, physical infrastructure improvement to ensure age-inclusivity will be extremely important to ensure active and dignified ageing.
Governments, institutions, private players, and civil society agents can play an important role in addressing the needs of the elderly, contributing through innovations in healthcare, technology, awareness and more.
Published – September 07, 2025 04:39 am IST