India is set to witness a significant demographic shift, as its elderly population is expected to double by 2050, surpassing the number of children in the country, according to a UN report.
The number of individuals aged 60 and above in India will surge from 149 million in 2022 to a staggering 347 million by 2050, the recent report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) revealed.
By 2046, the elderly population in India is expected to surpass the number of children aged 0 to 14 years, while there will be a decline in the population of individuals aged 15 to 59 years.
India boasts the largest youth population, with approximately 65 per cent of its citizens under the age of 35. However, the UNFPA's projections indicate a significant shift in the demographic landscape.
Despite an overall population increase of 18 per cent expected from 2022 to 2050, India will witness a staggering 134 per cent increase in its elderly population, with a remarkable 279 per cent surge in those aged 80 and above during the same period.
The UNFPA noted, "By 2050, one in every five individuals will be elderly in India."
This demographic transition is not unique to India, as the rest of the world is poised to grapple with similar challenges. Globally, the number of individuals aged 60 years and above is forecasted to double, reaching 2.1 billion by 2050, the report added.
The report highlighted the impending socio-cultural and economic challenges accompanying this demographic shift in India.
With women generally outliving men, there will be a notable increase in the number of widows. The UNFPA emphasised the need for policies and programs tailored to address the unique needs of elderly women.
Rural areas are expected to bear a disproportionate burden, given factors like isolation, limited transportation options, income insecurity, and inadequate healthcare access. Elderly widowed women, in particular, face greater challenges due to their solitary status and increased health problems.
The financial strain on India's aging population is anticipated to intensify due to a lack of income and rising healthcare costs.
The UNFPA report cited a 2018 study showing that while 51 per cent of men aged 60 and above remained employed, only 22 per cent of women in the same age group did so. Additionally, rural areas had higher work participation rates compared to urban areas.
The report concluded that aging is closely tied to economic dependency due to income loss and higher healthcare expenditures. Limited participation in the formal economy restricts access to fixed pensions and contributes to economic insecurity among the elderly population, the UN agency pointed out.
The report urged policymakers and healthcare providers to address these challenges to ensure the well-being and quality of life for the growing elderly population.
