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India's Elderly Population to Double by 2036: The Looming Health and Economic Challenge

India is facing a significant demographic shift as its elderly population is set to more than double in the coming years. Union Minister Nityanand Rai shared this projection in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the urgent need for action. In response, the government has rolled out the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana to improve seniors' quality of life. A dedicated National Council has also been established to tackle the multifaceted challenges of an ageing society.

Key Points: India's Elderly Population Projected to Reach 22.74 Crore by 2036

  • Elderly population share to jump from 8.4% to 14.9% of total population by 2036
  • Government launches Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana for senior citizen welfare
  • Rise poses major challenges in health, social, economic, and digital domains
  • National Council of Senior Citizens formed to strengthen policy interventions
3 min read

Elderly population to rise to 22.74 crore by 2036: MoS Home Nityanand Rai

MoS Home Nityanand Rai reveals India's senior citizen count will surge to 22.74 crore by 2036, prompting new welfare schemes like AVYAY to address the crisis.

"The proportion of population of the older ages (60 years and above) is projected to increase from 10.16 crores in 2011 to 22.74 crores in 2036 - Technical Group on Population Projections Report"

New Delhi, December 9

Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai on Tuesday said that India's elderly population is projected to witness a significant rise over the next decade and a half, highlighting the growing need for focused welfare measures for senior citizens.

Replying to query raised by Congress MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy in the Lok Sabha, Nityanand Rai, citing the findings of the Technical Group on Population Projections constituted by the National Commission on Population, stated that the number of people aged 60 years and above is expected to increase from 10.16 crore in 2011 to 22.74 crore in 2036, adding that their share in the total population is projected to rise from 8.4 per cent to 14.9 per cent during the same period.

He noted that the sharp increase in the elderly population would pose challenges across health, social, economic and digital domains. In response to these emerging concerns, Rai said the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), an umbrella scheme operational since April 1, 2021, aimed at the welfare of senior citizens nationwide.

As per the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, the main objective of the the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) is to improve the quality of life of the Senior Citizens by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities and by encouraging productive and active ageing through providing support for capacity building of State/ UT Governments/Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)/Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) / local bodies and the community at large.

The Minister further stated that the government has also constituted the National Council of Senior Citizens, chaired by the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, with representation from various stakeholders, to address issues related to ageing and strengthen policy interventions for the elderly.

The statement reads, "As per the report of the Technical Group on Population Projections constituted by the National Commission on Population, the proportion of population of the older ages (60 years and above) is projected to increase from 10.16 crores in 2011 to 22.74 crores in 2036, an increase in their share to the total population from 8.4 to 14.9 percent. Due to rise in the elderly population, there shall be challenges across health, social, economic and digital domains concerning the senior citizens."

"Recognizing the growing needs of the elderly population and to mitigate the hardships being faced by them, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing an umbrella scheme, namely Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) w.e.f. 01.04.2021 for the Welfare of Senior Citizens across the country. The Government has also constituted National Council of Senior Citizens under the Chairpersonship of the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment comprising of various stakeholders," it added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The numbers are staggering. From 10 crore to almost 23 crore in 25 years! This will put immense pressure on our pension systems and healthcare infrastructure. The government must plan for this *now*, not later. Digital literacy for seniors is also very important.
A
Aman W
While the scheme sounds good on paper, I hope the funds actually reach the beneficiaries. We've seen so many welfare schemes fail due to corruption and poor execution. The National Council should have regular public consultations.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in India for a decade, the respect for elders here is beautiful. But societal structures are changing. "Productive ageing" is a great concept—utilizing the experience of seniors as mentors or in community roles can be a win-win. 👍
K
Karthik V
We also need to change our mindset. Sending parents to old age homes shouldn't be a taboo. If they can get better care, companionship, and medical aid there, it's sometimes better than being alone in an empty house when children are working in different cities.
M
Meera T
The economic challenge is huge. Many elderly don't have sufficient savings or pensions. The cost of medicines alone is a big burden. Government needs to strengthen the old age pension and make senior citizen concessions in healthcare and transport more widespread and effective.

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