Every time the earth completes circling the sun, we become a year older. Though it’s a matter of celebration for many, it instills a sense of fear for survival in others, especially for elderly people. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), there are 1.1 billion people aged 60 years or above, i.e., 13.9% of the total population of 7.9 billion across the world in 2022. The number of people aged 65 years has almost doubled between 1974 and 2024. It has been estimated that the number will double in another half a decade to 20.7%. United Nations population projections also say that the number of persons aged 80 and above is expected to triple in the same time.
India is no different from the global trends. The country has about 103 million elderly people, i.e., 8.6% of its total population, as per Census 2011. UNPF’s recent report titled ‘India Ageing Report 2023’ states that there are 149 million people aged 60 years and above, i.e., 10.5% of the country’s total population in 2022. There are 36 elderly people for every 100 children, according to 2021 population estimates. The number is expected to touch 347 million, i.e., go up by 20.8% by 2050. Elderly people will constitute about 36% of the country’s population by the end of the century. The UNPF report also points out that a sharp rise in the population of senior citizens has been observed from 2010 along with a decline in the age group of below 15 years. The former will be higher than the latter before 2046.
The aging population is attributed to improvement in life expectancy, declining fertility, and reduction in mortality across the globe. This reflects a change in the age structure from young to old. According to research, a person aged 60 years is expected to live another 18.3 years. It is higher than females at 19 years.
With the rise in age, the majority of elderly people live their lives in fear. Though it has multifaceted reasons, loneliness, digital divide, and unaffordable health services are to name a few. Let’s read further to understand their challenges and whether the country is ready for its increasing elderly population.
Major challenges faced by the elderly in India
1. Economic issue: Most of the sectors have set the retirement age as 60 years for Indians. It means that they have to spend the rest of their lifetime without salary and be dependent on their pension, if they get any, or on their family members. Many of them, especially those from rural or remote areas, have not had access to formal pension schemes or retirement saving plans throughout their working lives. In the past, many relied on their children to take care of them in their old age. With the changing traditional family structures and younger generations migrating to cities for work, fewer children are willing or able to provide financial support. The absence of retirement savings makes elderly people vulnerable to poverty without having the necessary resources to live independently. This pushes many to take up available jobs even for merger jobs.
2. Social isolation: Social isolation, faced by the majority of senior citizens, has wide-ranging consequences on their emotional, mental, and physical well-being. As the country experiences rapid urbanization and demographic changes, the elderly population is increasingly finding themselves distanced from family, friends, and the broader community. One of the important factors is changing family structures. There was a time when multiple generations lived together in the same house. But the rapid urbanization has replaced it with a nuclear family structure. Younger generations are often relocating to urban areas or even abroad for better employment opportunities, leaving elderly parents behind in their hometowns. This shift has led to an increased sense of loneliness for many senior citizens who no longer live or interact with their children or extended families on a regular basis.
3. Unaffordable health service: As they age, many senior citizens experience chronic diseases, disabilities, and health complications that require frequent medical attention. This in turn has been raising healthcare costs. Since treating these conditions requires specialized care, home health services, and skilled medical personnel, senior citizens are put under financial burden. A report released by a real estate service says that “many seniors face financial barriers in accessing healthcare due to escalating costs, necessitating the implementation of financial planning solutions like insurance and retirement funds.”. Experts also point out the shortage in geriatric care facilities. There are hardly 12 hospitals with geriatric wards across the country to cater to the needs of the elderly population of over 150 million.
4. Digital divide: The rise of the internet, smartphones, and digital platforms has transformed communication, banking, healthcare, and access to information. It has grabbed a central role in day-to-day life. But many senior citizens find themselves excluded from these advancements due to various factors, like lack of access to technology, insufficient digital literacy, and physical limitations. Since most of them grew up in a time when technology was not as widespread, they had limited exposure to digital devices like smartphones, computers, and the internet. As a result, they find it extremely difficult to navigate online platforms or use digital tools. Digital literacy requires not just understanding how to operate technology, but also the skills to use it effectively for everyday tasks like online banking, accessing healthcare services, or staying in touch with family. For those who have never used a computer or smartphone, learning these skills later in life can be daunting and overwhelming. This digital divide creates barriers that impact their ability to participate fully in society, further exacerbating social isolation, financial insecurity, and vulnerability.
5. Feminization of old age: Gender disparities have no age differences. Though old-age people are vulnerable in general, old women face double the challenges. According to a UNPF report, “Poverty is inherently gendered in old age when older women are more likely to be widowed, living alone, with no income and with fewer assets of their own, and fully dependent on family for support.” The report points out that elderly widowed women often live alone with little to no support. They also face a greater incidence of morbidities that restricts their complete function. With no finances in their hands, their survival becomes extremely difficult after the death of their husbands.
The challenges faced by senior citizens are multidimensional and deeply rooted in socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural factors. As they age, their needs for healthcare, financial security, social support, and overall well-being become more pressing. The lack of awareness, affordability, and availability of healthcare services further deepens their vulnerability. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that involves improving social safety nets, expanding healthcare access, promoting digital literacy, and fostering inclusive community support systems. It also necessitates changing societal attitudes toward aging and prioritizing the dignity and rights of senior citizens.
Smile Foundation’s work
Smile Foundation is actively engaged in enhancing the well-being of elderly individuals across India through various healthcare initiatives.
Our ‘Smile on Wheels’ programme deploys mobile healthcare units to underserved communities, delivering primary medical services directly to the doorsteps of elderly individuals who may have difficulty accessing traditional healthcare facilities. In regions like Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, Smile Foundation has organized eye and cataract detection camps. These camps provide screenings and facilitate necessary surgeries, significantly improving the vision and quality of life for numerous senior citizens.
During natural calamities, such as the Assam flash floods, we prioritize vulnerable groups—including the elderly—by providing first-aid medical care, distributing essential supplies, and setting up safe shelters tailored to their specific needs.
Through these targeted actions, Smile Foundation demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of India’s aging population, ensuring they receive the care and support necessary for a dignified and healthy life.
