Context:
The aging phenomenon is one of the most significant experiences of this century, characterized by a remarkable increase in human longevity alongside historically low reproduction rates. While the scale and growth of this phenomenon may seem alarming, efforts are being made to redefine it not just by age, but by other related factors influenced by the increase in longevity and changing vulnerabilities.
Relevance:
- GS1- Population and Associated Issues
- GS2- Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes
Mains Question:
What are the concerns associated with the elderly population in India? How have government initiatives performed in this regard and what can be done to make them more effective? (15 Marks, 250 Words).
Main Vulnerabilities of the Elderly in India:
In India, four main vulnerabilities affecting the elderly are restrictions in daily activities, multi-morbidity, poverty, and lack of income.
- According to the Longitudinal Ageing Survey of India (LASI, 2017-18), around 20% of the elderly population experiences each of these vulnerabilities.
- Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach that includes principles of inclusion and social security measures.
- Considering these vulnerabilities as part of the life course, it is essential to promote life preparatory measures that ensure not only financial independence but also healthy, active, and productive years.
Existing Evaluations of the Aging Phenomenon in India:
- Most evaluations of the aging phenomenon focus on individual attributes and characteristics rather than the circumstances and conditions of later life.
- The increasing number of elderly people should not be viewed in isolation, as this population transition is happening alongside a familial transition.
- This familial transition involves changes in household compositions and how the elderly are accommodated within them.
- There are households without elderly members, those with multiple elderly members, and instances of elderly living together.
- This arrangement is becoming more common, and issues of dependence, care provision, social security, and financial protection are more prominent in households with elderly members compared to those without.
- This indicates that the persistence of vulnerabilities among the elderly arises more from household characteristics than individual ones.
Prospective Elderly Populations:
- Comparing today’s elderly with tomorrow’s, future generations may benefit from better education, life preparation, and economic independence, yet they may face health challenges and reduced quality of life due to increased longevity and the prevalence of chronic illnesses.
- Therefore, the focus of healthy aging should extend significantly to prospective elderly populations. While limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) worsen with age among the current elderly, there is hope that these patterns might be delayed for future elderly populations.
- By mid-century, the elderly population is projected to reach 319 million, growing at about 3% annually.
- This group will have a female predominance, with a sex ratio of 1,065 females per 1,000 males, and 54% of elderly women will be widows.
- Although 6% of elderly men live alone compared to 9% of elderly women, 70% of the elderly will reside in rural areas. These statistics are crucial for targeting welfare measures for this demographic.
Associated Concerns:
- A particularly concerning aspect is the health status of the elderly, with a quarter reporting poor health compared to about 20% of those aged 45 and above.
- Seventy-five percent of the elderly suffer from one or more chronic diseases, and 40% of those aged 45 and above have some form of disability.
- With the increasing global burden of disease, diabetes and cancer are notably prevalent among India’s elderly.
- Mental health is also an emerging concern, with 20% of those over 45 self-reporting ailments, mainly depression, a higher rate than that reported by the elderly.
- Food insecurity is another issue among India’s elderly, with 6% of those over 45 eating smaller portions or skipping meals, and 5.3% not eating despite being hungry. While these numbers may seem small, they significantly impact nutrition and related health issues.
- Recognizing these adversities, protection measures have been implemented, including welfare provisions, legal recourse, and concessional measures for the elderly.
- However, awareness of these measures is very low. Only about 12% are aware of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and just 28% know about the various concessions available to them.
- Overall, India’s elderly have few expectations from life, and their vulnerabilities expose them to various forms of abuse by family, community, and society.
- Although only 5% report abuse, it is particularly common for women in rural areas, where they are often the most neglected.
Conclusion:
There is a pressing need for a movement to create social agency for this vulnerable group. Innovative institutional changes are required to reframe their role from a perceived liability to a valuable asset, focusing on ensuring an active life course for future elderly populations.
