India's Ageing Population: Challenges and Opportunities

India is witnessing one of the fastest demographic transitions in the world, with its elderly population – those aged 60 years and above – expected to more than double from 100 million in 2011 to nearly 230 million by 2036. Keeping this transition in mind, India has adopted multiple policies, programmes and legal provisions to address the challenges arising from declining fertility and rising life expectancy rates. According to the Technical Group on Population Projections (TGPP) report (July 2020), India’s ageing trend is not uniform across regions. Southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, along with Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, already have higher proportions of elderly citizens – comparable to developed nations. Kerala’s elderly population is expected to rise from 13% in 2011 to 23% by 2036, making it India’s “oldest” state demographically. Meanwhile, states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, though currently younger, are projected to see their elderly populations grow significantly over the next decade. The Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) 2021, the largest of its kind globally, is a full-scale national survey and a seminal study on the status of the ageing population in India. The LASI report reveals that 12% of India’s population comprises elderly individuals, a proportion projected to rise to 319 million by 2050, growing at an annual rate of approximately 3%. The study also highlights key gender dimensions: women constitute 58% of the elderly population, and more than half of them are widows. The findings underscore not only the scale but also the gendered vulnerabilities of ageing in India. As longevity increases, new socio-economic and health challenges have emerged. Many senior citizens, particularly those from low-income households, face financial insecurity, inadequate healthcare access, and social isolation. Key concerns include: * Health: Rising cases of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and mobility-related disabilities; lack of geriatric healthcare infrastructure. * Economic: Limited pensions, inflation in healthcare costs, and insufficient savings. * Social: Weakening of joint family systems, loneliness, and neglect. * Digital divide: Technology gaps excluding seniors from essential services. * Infrastructure: Public spaces and transport systems that remain largely non-elderly friendly. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) – the nodal ministry for senior citizens – has spearheaded several initiatives, often in collaboration with other ministries, NGOs, and the private sector. Key Schemes and Initiatives * Atal Pension Yojana (APY): A flagship pension scheme launched in 2015, ensuring a monthly pension between ₹1,000 and ₹5,000 after age 60. Over 8.27 crore subscribers are enrolled as of October 2025, with assets exceeding ₹49,000 crore. * Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY): An umbrella scheme covering various programmes such as the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) – under which 696 old-age homes are operational across 29 States and UTs—and the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY), which provides free assistive devices like hearing aids and wheelchairs to BPL senior citizens. * Elderline (Helpline 14567): A national helpline offering emotional, medical, and legal support for senior citizens. * SAGE (Senior Care Ageing Growth Engine) Portal: A platform supporting start-ups in elderly care, promoting India’s emerging “silver economy” through innovation and entrepreneurship. * SACRED Portal: Launched in 2021, it connects retirees and senior citizens with re-employment opportunities to ensure financial independence and social engagement. * Geriatric Caregivers Training: Over 36,000 caregivers trained across 32 institutes to support professional elder care services. * Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY Expansion: Extended in 2024 to cover 6 crore senior citizens aged 70+, providing free annual health coverage up to ₹5 lakh. * Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Provides monthly pensions to over 2.2 crore beneficiaries aged 60+, living below the poverty line. * National Programme for the Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE): Offers dedicated geriatric wards, physiotherapy, and medical support across all 713 health districts. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, along with its 2019 Amendment, legally obligates children and heirs to support their elderly parents. The amendment broadened the definitions of “parents” and “children,” removed the ₹10,000 ceiling on maintenance, and mandated the appointment of Nodal Officers and Special Police Units for senior citizens in every district. Digital solutions are increasingly bridging the gap between age and access. Telemedicine through the e-Sanjeevani platform, wearable health trackers, smart home monitoring systems, and online pharmacies are revolutionising elder care. These innovations, combined with government-backed portals, are enabling safer, healthier, and more independent lives for seniors. India’s silver economy – valued at around ₹73,000 crore in 2024 – is poised for exponential growth. Experts foresee immense potential for healthcare, housing, and tech-driven elder care services. Initiatives such as the Model Guidelines for Development and Regulation of Retirement Homes (2019) are helping shape age-friendly urban infrastructure, while innovative programmes like ‘NAITIK PATAM’ encourage intergenerational bonding and family values. As India ages, a coordinated effort between government, private players, civil society, and families is essential. Experts emphasise the need to recognise elder care as a specialised sector – with robust regulation, trained workforce, and integrated service delivery. The demographic shift offers both a challenge and an opportunity. With timely policy interventions and compassionate social support, India’s growing elderly population can become a pillar of wisdom, resilience, and economic strength – contributing meaningfully to the nation’s sustainable and inclusive growth.