Context:

India is undergoing a major demographic transformation — its elderly population (aged 60 years and above) is growing faster than ever before. Improved healthcare, better nutrition, and rising life expectancy have increased longevity, but they have also brought new social, economic, and policy challenges. The country must now prepare itself for what experts call the “silver wave.” By 2036, India is projected to have nearly 230 million elderly citizens, forming about 15% of the total population. This growing segment of society will have profound implications for healthcare, social welfare, urban planning, and the economy at large.

Demographic Profile of the Elderly:

According to the Technical Group on Population Projections (2020), the elderly population in India will rise sharply from 100 million in 2011 to 230 million by 2036. This means that by then, roughly one in seven Indians will be aged 60 years or above.

However, ageing in India is not uniform across states. Southern states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, along with Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, have a much higher share of elderly people compared to the national average.

• • Kerala’s elderly population is projected to jump from 13% in 2011 to 23% by 2036, making it the “oldest” state in India.
  • In contrast, states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar still have younger populations, though their ageing rates are rising fast.

The Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) 2021, conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, adds depth to this picture:

• • The elderly constitute 12% of India’s population, expected to touch 319 million by 2050.
  • The sex ratio among the elderly is 1,065 women per 1,000 men, with women forming 58% of the elderly population — and over half of them widows.
  • The dependency ratio (dependents per 100 working-age persons) stands at 62, pointing to the growing economic and social pressure on the working population.

Challenges Faced by the Elderly:

Ageing in India brings a complex set of challenges spanning health, economic security, social inclusion, and digital access.

1. Health-Related Issues

Geriatric care remains weakly developed in India. Most health services are focused on maternal, reproductive, and infectious diseases, while chronic illnesses and mental health issues like dementia, Alzheimer’s, and depression among the elderly are poorly addressed. Geriatric hospitals and rehabilitation facilities are limited, especially in rural areas.

2. Economic Insecurity

Many older adults lack pensions, savings, or insurance. Around 70% of India’s elderly depend on family members for basic maintenance. Rising medical costs and inadequate social security deepen their vulnerability, especially among those in the unorganised sector.

3. Social and Emotional Isolation

Urbanisation, migration, and the breakdown of joint families have weakened traditional caregiving systems. Loneliness and neglect have emerged as silent epidemics among older adults.

4. Digital Divide

The shift to digital governance and healthcare has left a large portion of elderly citizens behind. Surveys show that over 85% of older adults lack basic digital literacy, which limits their ability to access schemes, healthcare, and financial services.

5. Infrastructure and Mobility Barriers

Public transport, footpaths, and toilets are largely not elderly-friendly. Many facilities lack ramps, handrails, and accessible design, restricting mobility and independence.

Government Initiatives for Senior Citizens:

India’s elderly welfare efforts are mainly led by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), which coordinates with other ministries, state governments, and NGOs. A wide network of schemes addresses healthcare, housing, pensions, and social inclusion.

• • Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Launched in 2015, APY provides a guaranteed monthly pension (₹1,000–₹5,000) after the age of 60. It targets low-income groups and now has over 8 crore subscribers, with assets worth ₹49,000 crore under management.
  • Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY): AVYAY integrates several sub-schemes to empower senior citizens through social inclusion and care facilities. Its Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) supports old-age homes, mobile healthcare units, and physiotherapy clinics. As of 2025, 696 Senior Citizen Homes operate under this programme across India.
  • Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): Started in 2017, RVY distributes free assistive devices like walking sticks, wheelchairs, hearing aids, and dentures to poor senior citizens, particularly those below the poverty line.
  • National Helpline – Elderline (14567): A toll-free helpline launched in 2021 provides emotional, legal, and healthcare assistance to the elderly, connecting them to relevant services in their region.
  • SAGE and SACRED Portals:
    • SAGE (Senior Care Ageing Growth Engine) promotes start-ups developing eldercare products and services, providing up to ₹1 crore equity support.
    • SACRED (Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity) helps senior citizens find jobs and part-time work, promoting re-employment and financial independence.
  • Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): In 2024, the scheme was expanded to cover senior citizens aged 70+, offering up to ₹5 lakh annual healthcare coverage even to those above the poverty line.
  • Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Under the National Social Assistance Programme, it provides monthly pensions of ₹200 (60–79 years) and ₹500 (80+ years) to over 2.2 crore elderly beneficiaries living below the poverty line.
  • National Programme for the Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE): Launched in 2010–11, this programme offers free geriatric care through hospitals and community health centres. It now covers all 713 districts, with dedicated geriatric wards, physiotherapy units, and outreach services.
  • Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund (SCWF): Established in 2015, this fund uses unclaimed deposits from provident and insurance funds to finance elderly welfare schemes.

Legal and Policy Framework:

1. Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 (and 2019 Amendment)

This landmark law obligates children and heirs to provide maintenance to parents and senior citizens. The 2019 Amendment expanded its coverage by:

• • • Including stepchildren, in-laws, and grandparents.
    • Removing the ₹10,000 ceiling on maintenance.
    • Mandating “life of dignity” rather than mere survival.
    • Requiring police nodal officers for senior citizens in every district.
    • Ensuring hospitals have dedicated geriatric queues and beds.

2. Constitutional and Legal Provisions

• • • Article 41: Directs the State to provide public assistance in cases of old age, sickness, and disablement.
    • Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 (Section 20): Makes it obligatory to maintain aged parents.
    • Income Tax Act: Offers tax rebates to senior citizens.
    • NALSA (Legal Services to Senior Citizens) Scheme, 2016: Provides free legal aid.

3. Policy Measures

• • • National Policy for Older Persons (NPOP), 1999 – India’s first national policy for elderly welfare.
    • National Policy for Senior Citizens (Draft, 2020) – Focuses on active and productive ageing, financial inclusion, and healthcare access.
    • National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) – Includes IGNOAPS and related pension schemes.

Role of Technology in Elderly Care:

• • Telemedicine platforms like e-Sanjeevani connect doctors with elderly patients in remote areas.
  • Wearable devices track health metrics and send emergency alerts.
  • Online pharmacies and smart home systems promote independence and reduce dependence on caregivers.

The Way Forward:

• • Strengthen health infrastructure for geriatric care and home-based services.
  • Expand pension and insurance coverage, especially for those in informal sectors.
  • Promote digital literacy and affordable technology access for senior citizens.
  • Encourage intergenerational bonding through awareness programmes and educational tools.
  • Recognise elder care work as skilled labour and improve wages and training.

Conclusion:

India’s silver economy, valued at around ₹73,000 crore in 2024, is expected to grow rapidly as the elderly population expands. This presents not only challenges but also economic opportunities in healthcare, housing, and technology sectors.

To harness this potential, India needs a coordinated national framework that integrates welfare, healthcare, technology, and legal protection. A society that safeguards the dignity and well-being of its elderly stands stronger and more humane — and the time to act for that future is now.