UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) India, in collaboration with the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), unveiled the highly anticipated “India Ageing Report.”
What is the India Ageing Report
- The report sheds light on the challenges, opportunities and institutional responses surrounding elderly care in India.
- It uses the Longitudinal Ageing Survey in India (LASI), 2017–18, Census of India, Population Projections by the Government of India (2011–2036), and World Population Prospects 2022 by the UN DESA.
- The report was jointly released by Mr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (Government of India) and Ms. Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative and Country Director Bhutan.
- It measures the number of person aged 60+ years per 100 children population (below 15 years) and the index score increases as the population ages
Key Findings of the India Ageing Report
- The report estimates a decadal growth rate of 41% for the elderly population in India.
- It predicts that by 2050, the elderly population will make up over 20% of India’s total population.
- By 2046, it is expected that the elderly population will surpass the population of children aged up to 15.
- More than 40% of India’s elderly population is in the poorest wealth quintile, and around 18.7% of them live without any income.
- Women, on average, have a higher life expectancy at the ages of 60 and 80 compared to men.
- States in the southern region and select northern states like Himachal Pradesh and Punjab report a higher share of the elderly population than the national average.
- In contrast, states with higher fertility rates and slower demographic transitions like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh will see an increase in the share of the elderly population but at a lower level than the national average.
- The sex ratio (number of females per 1,000 males) among the elderly has been steadily increasing since 1991, indicating that women tend to outlive men in this age group.
- This trend is expected to continue, with a projected increase in the number of elderly women relative to men by 2031.
Challenges Highlighted in the India Ageing Report
- The report notes that major challenges facing India’s ageing population include the feminization (a higher proportion of elderly women) and ruralization (concentration of elderly population in rural areas) of this demographic group.
- This calls for policies tailored to meet the specific needs of elderly women, who are more likely to be widowed, living alone, and dependent on family support.
- In India, nearly one-fifth of the elderly have at least one Activities of Daily Living (ADL) limitation. And, overall prevalence of multi-morbidity in elderly is 23.3 percent in India
Recommendations for Addressing India’s Ageing Population
- Strengthening the National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) and enhancing collaboration among various ministries for its effective implementation.
- Encouraging regular feedback and audits of programs for senior citizens to improve their relevance and impact.
- Mobilizing funds, including corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds, to support the development of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the elderly.
- Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and expanding their capacity to support senior citizens at the community level.
- Encouraging private sector participation in elder care and establishing public-private collaborations to address issues related to aging.
- Focusing on older persons’ needs in disaster preparedness plans and creating a network of helplines for their support.
- Enhancing data systems and conducting micro-level studies to better understand the elderly population and improve programs and initiatives for their well-being
The Role of UNFPA in Addressing Ageing Issues
- UNFPA, originally known as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities from 1969 to 1987, is a trust fund under the jurisdiction of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
- Established in 1969, it is the largest international source of assistance for population programs.
- UNFPA plays a significant role in implementing the 1994 Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development.
UNFPA Mission
- UNFPA is the United Nations’ sexual and reproductive health agency with a mission to create a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
- UNFPA carries out its mission through the following functions:
- UNFPA supports programs and initiatives related to reproductive health, encompassing family planning, ensuring safe motherhood, and the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
- It addresses population problems in both developed and developing countries and explores strategies to tackle them effectively.
- UNFPA works on issues related to the status of women, focusing on closing the gender gap in education and promoting gender equality.
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