22-February-2024-Editorial

CARING FOR THE ELDERLY

Countries like Italy and China are grappling with the complexities posed by unfavourable demographics, and India is not exempt from these challenges.

The nation is witnessing an ageing population, a declining fertility rate, and an increased life expectancy, signalling an impending shift in its demographic dividend.

To address the needs of the growing senior population, NITI Aayog has released a paper on senior care reforms in India, shedding light on deficiencies in regulatory provisions, accessibility, and service implementation in senior care.

Projections for India:

• Current Scenario: Senior citizens (60 years and above) constitute nearly 10% of the population, accounting for approximately 104 million individuals.
• 2050 Projections: The elderly population is estimated to surge to 319 million, constituting nearly 19.5% of the total population.

Anticipated Impacts:

• Shifting Disease Burden: A rise in chronic diseases among the elderly.
• Rising Dependency Ratios: Increased dependence on the working-age population for support.
• Evolving Family Structures: Changes in the traditional joint family system.
• Altered Consumption Patterns: Shifts in the market dynamics due to changing consumer needs.
• Structural Changes in Labour Markets: Impacts on employment structures and demands.

Challenges Faced by the Elderly:

• Disease Burden: 75% of the elderly grapple with chronic diseases, with a significant portion facing depressive symptoms.
• Lack of Proper Geriatric Illness Management: Insufficient focus on managing age-related health concerns.
• Increased Medical Expenditure: Rising healthcare costs for the elderly.
• Inaccessible Physical Infrastructure: Infrastructure not adapted to the needs of the elderly.
• Deficient Financial Planning: Lack of adequate financial preparations for old age.
• Food Insecurity: Inadequate access to proper nutrition.
• Loneliness: Nuclear family structures contribute to increased loneliness, affecting the mental health of the elderly.
• Fragmented Social Safety Nets: A significant portion of the elderly lacks pensions and health insurance coverage.

Recommended Solutions:

• Healthcare Improvements: Enhancing wellness and therapeutic interventions, strengthening physical and mental health services, and developing emergency response infrastructure.
• Use of Technology: Integrating technology into healthcare through wearable devices, AI-based smart housing, and a robust telemedicine market to transform the lives of seniors.
• Social Security: Expanding the coverage of pensions, introducing geriatric health insurance plans, and implementing GST reforms on senior care products to create a comprehensive social safety net.
• Role of Private Sector: Encouraging private-sector and non-profit voluntary organizations to play a vital role in meeting the diverse needs of the elderly.

Changes in Employment Models: Rethinking retirement age to accommodate increased life expectancies, fostering more flexible working models, and unlocking the benefits of the longevity dividend.