Why 60+ Care

As India experiences sustained periods of growth, the population will become healthier and live longer. Several related Research indicates that 12% of India’s population will be over the age of 60 by 2030 and according to the UN Population Fund; this is expected to increase to 19.4% by 2050. Projection indicates there are going to be more women than men in the 60+ age group. Increased longevity has resulted in a rise of population above 80 years of age, which accounts for nearly 1.1 Crore people. With around 6 lakh people over the age of 100, India is expected to have the highest number of centenarians by 2050. As the number of senior citizens increase – from 10.38 Crore in 2011 to an estimated 17.3 Crore in 2026 and 30 Crore in 2050 - the need for programmes for their welfare has to be addressed more specifically. Increase in life expectancy, coupled with nuclearization of families, dependency on others for their dayto-day maintenance and age-related difficulties; pose a tough challenge to the lives of elderly people. The problem gets exacerbated for the elderly women due to higher economic dependency. In rural areas, where 70% of the elderly live, migration of younger people for economic reasons and the poor quality of medical services, leads to a grim situation, especially for those above 80 years of age.

Relevant facts

Further, as people are living longer post their retirement, the challenge is to find ways to remain actively engaged and productive life with dignity and this includes involving all the following related stakeholders

• Elderly themselves
• Their Informal caregivers/Families (unpaid care givers) in the community
• Formal Care-Givers (paid)
• Government departments ie Social Welfare departments, Health department, Department of Home etc
• Care Institutions (Public/Private)
• Health care Institutions ie Local Bodies, Civil Societies including NGOs.
• Intellectuals
• Media and
• The community or the Public at large.