Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Ageing, defined as the progressive physiological changes associated with the passage of time, is rapidly becoming a significant demographic and societal issue in India. Historically a young nation, India is witnessing a gradual but steady increase in the proportion of its elderly population. According to the Census of India 2011, persons aged 60 years or more constituted 8.6% of the total population. Projections indicate this figure will rise to 19.7% by 2050 (UN Population Fund, State of India’s Elderly Report, 2023 – knowledge cutoff). This demographic transition presents both opportunities and challenges, demanding a comprehensive understanding of its implications for Indian society.
Demographic Transition and the Rise of Ageing
India’s demographic transition is driven by two primary factors: increasing life expectancy and declining fertility rates. Improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition have led to a significant increase in life expectancy from 37.2 years in 1951 to 70.4 years in 2021 (National Statistical Office, 2021 – knowledge cutoff). Simultaneously, declining fertility rates, spurred by increased access to education, family planning services, and changing societal norms, are slowing down population growth and contributing to an ageing population.
Emerging Issues in Indian Society
Social Issues
- Erosion of Traditional Family Support Systems: Joint family systems, traditionally responsible for elder care, are giving way to nuclear families due to urbanization and migration. This leaves many elderly individuals vulnerable and lacking adequate social support.
- Social Isolation and Loneliness: Elderly individuals, particularly those living alone or widowed, often experience social isolation and loneliness, leading to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
- Elder Abuse: Physical, emotional, and financial abuse of the elderly is an emerging concern, often underreported due to social stigma and lack of awareness.
Economic Issues
- Pension and Social Security Challenges: A large proportion of the Indian workforce is in the informal sector, lacking access to formal pension schemes and social security benefits. This creates economic insecurity for the elderly.
- Healthcare Costs: Ageing is associated with increased incidence of chronic diseases, leading to higher healthcare costs. The rising cost of healthcare poses a significant financial burden on individuals and the healthcare system.
- Labor Force Participation: While some elderly individuals continue to work out of necessity, ageism and limited opportunities restrict their participation in the formal labor force.
Healthcare Issues
- Increased Prevalence of Chronic Diseases: The elderly are more susceptible to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and dementia, requiring specialized healthcare services.
- Lack of Geriatric Care Facilities: India faces a severe shortage of geriatric care facilities, including specialized hospitals, nursing homes, and trained healthcare professionals.
- Accessibility to Healthcare: Geographical barriers, financial constraints, and lack of transportation limit access to healthcare services for many elderly individuals, particularly in rural areas.
Policy and Governance Challenges
- Inadequate Legal Framework: While the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, provides some legal protection, its implementation remains weak, and awareness is limited.
- Limited Public Spending on Elderly Care: Government spending on elderly care is relatively low compared to other developed countries, hindering the development of comprehensive social security and healthcare systems.
- Data Gaps: Lack of reliable and comprehensive data on the elderly population hinders effective policy planning and resource allocation.
Regional Variations
The impact of ageing varies across different regions of India. States with higher levels of socio-economic development, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, have relatively better healthcare infrastructure and social security systems for the elderly. However, states with lower levels of development, such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, face greater challenges in providing adequate care and support to their ageing populations.
| State | Percentage of Population Aged 60+ (2021 - Estimated) | Key Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala | 12.6% | High healthcare costs, increasing dependency ratio |
| Tamil Nadu | 10.8% | Need for improved geriatric care facilities |
| Bihar | 7.5% | Limited access to healthcare, poverty |
| Uttar Pradesh | 8.2% | Lack of social security, inadequate infrastructure |
Conclusion
Ageing is undeniably becoming a critical issue in Indian society, driven by demographic shifts and presenting multifaceted challenges across social, economic, and healthcare domains. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic and proactive approach, including strengthening social security systems, expanding healthcare infrastructure, promoting intergenerational solidarity, and enacting robust legal frameworks. Investing in the well-being of the elderly is not merely a social obligation but also a crucial step towards building a more inclusive and sustainable future for India. Further research is needed to understand the specific needs of different elderly populations and to develop targeted interventions.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.