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Key Points

India is preparing for a significant demographic shift with nearly 20% of its population expected to be over 60 by 2050. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is taking proactive steps by organizing a comprehensive conference on ageing strategies. Experts from various sectors are collaborating to develop innovative and compassionate approaches to elderly welfare. The conference aims to transform the perception of ageing from a challenge to an opportunity for growth and development.

Key Points: NHRC Chief Leads India's Ageing Society Strategic Dialogue

  • Nearly 20% of India's population will be over 60 by 2050
  • Multidisciplinary platform explores elderly welfare strategies
  • Conference brings together government, academia, and healthcare leaders
  • Innovative approaches needed for ageing population challenges
2 min read

NHRC chief leads discussions on preparing for an ageing society

NHRC Chairperson Justice Ramasubramanian spearheads national conference addressing challenges and opportunities of India's rapidly ageing population

"Reframing ageing as an opportunity for innovation and inclusivity - NHRC Conference Statement"

New Delhi, Aug 1

Discussions on preparing for an ageing society and strengthening elderly welfare topped the agenda at the conference inaugurated by NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian on Friday, an official said.

Addressing participants at the National Conference on 'Ageing in India: Emerging Realities, Evolving Responses', supported by the @India_NHRC, @NITIAayog, MoH&FW, MoSJ&E, and organised by a foundation, the NHRC chief said the objective was to facilitate dialogue among diverse stakeholders.

The conference aimed to reframe ageing as an opportunity, explore innovative programmes and policies, facilitate dialogue amongst diverse stakeholders, and showcase scalable best practices and research.

As per projections, by 2050, nearly 20 per cent of the Indian population will be over the age of 60, amounting to over 347 million individuals.

The conference was designed as a multidisciplinary platform to explore how India can respond to its ageing population with innovation, inclusivity, and compassion.

Bringing together thought leaders from government, academia, civil society, healthcare, and the private sector, the conference aims to foster a holistic understanding of ageing-related issues and highlight practical, scalable solutions, said a statement.

Dr V.K. Paul, Member @NITIAayog, delivered the special address, and Bharat Lal, SG, NHRC, delivered the keynote address in the inaugural session. A report, 'Ageing in India: Challenges & Opportunities,' was also released.

The conference was spread over four thematic sessions: 'Strengthening Elderly Welfare: Policy & Practice', chaired by Amit Yadav, Secy, @MSJEGOI and 'Health & Mental Wellbeing of the Elderly' by Preeti Sudan, former Chairperson, UPSC and former Secy, @MoHFW_INDIA.

The sessions 'Leveraging Ageing for Growth & Development' and 'Shaping Futures: Preparing for an Ageing Society' were chaired by Amitabh Kant, former G20 Sherpa, India & former CEO, NITI Aayog and Dr V.K. Paul, Member @NITIAayog, respectively.

Some other eminent speakers included: Dr Kiran Bedi, Former Lt. Governor of Puducherry, Amarjeet Sinha, Retd. IAS, Former Secy, Department of Rural Development & Former Advisor, PM's Office, S. Krishnan, Secy, @GoI_MeitY and V. Srinivas, Secy, Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone working in geriatric care, I'm glad to see this issue getting attention. But we need more than conferences - where's the budget allocation for elderly healthcare infrastructure?
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Priya S
In our culture, we say "Matha-Pitha Guru Deivam" (parents are equal to God). But how many of us actually care for our elders? This conference is a wake-up call for our society.
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Amit K
Good initiative but I'm skeptical. We've had many such conferences before. What we need is implementation - better old age homes, pension schemes that account for inflation, and geriatric care in every district hospital.
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Nisha Z
The mental health aspect is crucial! Many elderly feel lonely and depressed after retirement. We need community programs to keep them engaged and valued. Maybe inter-generational activities?
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Karthik V
With nuclear families becoming the norm, we must develop systems to support the elderly beyond just family care. Japan has done well in this regard - we should learn from them.
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Meera T
The 347 million figure by 2050 is alarming! We need to start preparing NOW. Better urban planning with elderly-friendly infrastructure, special insurance products, and skill development for caregivers should be priorities.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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