Demographic Transition in India

Abstract

India's older population will increase dramatically over the next four decades since aging is an inevitable law of nature. It is estimated that the population aged 60 years and above will grow from 77 million (7.4% of the total population) in 2001 up to 300 million (17%) by 2050, according to the latest release by WHO. This profound shift in the share of older Indians—taking place in the context of changing family relationships and severely limited old-age income support—brings with it a variety of social, economic, and healthcare policy. The administration has duly recognized the elderly as a national resource and instituted policies in this regard. But the policies are yet to be implemented earnestly. Hence, there is an exigent need to discuss the issues of old age. The key messages for highlighting the issue of old age include, “Older people are a valuable resource for their societies, and societies, which care for their older populations, will be better prepared to cope with the changing world.” Let's redefine old age as a time of growth instead of inevitable decline.