What are the challenges India is expected to face with respect to her burgeoning elderly population? How can India convert this seeming liability into a productive asset?

(15 marks, 250 words) Answer: India is projected to become the world’s youngest country by 2020 with a median age of 29. But in the focus on leveraging this dividend, we are paying scant attention to another reality: India’s rising elderly population.

Although India’s demography is still inclined towards youth population, it is estimated that by 2050, 20% of the Indian population would be above 60 (presently it is only 8.6 %) which would make up to 300 million. India already has the second largest elderly population in the world.

A relatively young India today will turn into a rapidly ageing society in the coming decades. When populations age rapidly, governments are often unprepared to mitigate the consequences; this has implications for the socio-economic and health status of the elderly

Challenges ahead w.r.t elderly

•        Infrastructure for elderly population is poor. Eg. There are only a few Government run elderly recreation homes. There is a supply shortfall in affordable senior care homes.

•        Lack of social security, health insurance and pensions: 65 per cent of the elderly in India are dependent on others for their financial requirements. Only a small per cent of elderly population in India has health insurance.

•        Feminization of Ageing: The sex ratio of the elderly has increased from 938 women to 1,000 men in 1971 to 1,033 in 2011 and is projected to increase to 1,060 by 2026. Frequent outcome of feminization of ageing is the discrimination and neglect experienced by women as they age, often exacerbated by widowhood and complete dependence on others.

•        Ruralization of the Elderly: According to 2011 Census, 71 percent of the elderly live in rural India, and they face income insecurity, lack of adequate access to quality health care etc.

•        Illiteracy: The proportion of literates among elderly increased from 27% in 1991 to 47% in 2011.

Rather than treating the elderly as burden, with certain measures, they can become 'assestized'. This will help them in their own independence and dignity while also contributing to the national betterment without depending on states' limited resources and ability to deliver. Measures to ‘assetise’ the elderly

•        Better social security measures: The National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly aims at providing preventive, curative, rehabilitative and promotional health care for the elderly. Other measures include old-age pension, widow pension and disability pension. Better social security leads to better human resources.

•        Entrepreneurship, skilling and productive employment for the elderly: This should take into account their potential and experience to contribute towards families, communities and societies at large. Senior citizens can be formed into groups and their experience and services can be used as mentors in schools, colleges, hospitals, Panchayats, Gram Sabhas and at anganwadis. Using technology tools can help in skilling them better.

•        Literacy and adult education: For the illiterates to make use of their skills more productively and not to fall prey to frauds in their old age.

Article 41 of the Constitution requires the State to make effective provisions for securing the right to public assistance in cases of old age”. Thus, obligation is on the state to be prepared for the future challenges of the elderly and to make them resourceful thereby helping them lead a dignified life.