Context-

The global population is ageing rapidly, and there is a need to shift the perception of elderly populations. Rather than being seen as a burden, the elderly must be valued as contributors to society. In India, sensitive and well-informed policies are essential to address the economic, health, and social needs of the elderly population.

Global Concerns on Ageing Societies

●      From Overpopulation Fears to Ageing Concerns

The world has moved from the fears of overpopulation to concerns about ageing populations. Between 1970 and 2020, falling fertility rates and increased longevity have led to ageing becoming a dominant demographic trend. In the 1970s, overpopulation was blamed for famines, environmental degradation, and food shortages. Today, however, the growing elderly population has not sparked the same degree of alarm.

●      Elderly as a “Population Bomb”

Some scholars, such as David Bloom and Leo Zucker, have referred to ageing as the "real population bomb." This framing portrays the elderly as an economic burden due to rising healthcare costs, care needs, and a perceived lack of productivity. However, this portrayal ignores the significant contributions older individuals make, particularly in developing economies where the informal sector dominates.

●      Elderly Contributions in Informal Economies

In developing countries like India, where the informal economy is extensive, the elderly provide crucial unpaid services. These include work in agriculture, childcare, community services, and social work through religious institutions. These contributions are essential to the functioning of both families and communities, challenging the narrative of elderly populations being a burden.

The Growing Elderly Population in India

●      India’s Demographic Dividend and Ageing Population

India has long been seen as benefiting from a "demographic dividend" due to its large youth population. However, alongside this, the elderly population is steadily growing. As per the 2011 Census, India had approximately 103 million elderly citizens, making up 8.6% of the population. This number is projected to rise significantly, reaching 19.5% (355 million people) by 2050.

●      Regional Variations in Elderly Populations

Certain Indian states, such as Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, already have a higher proportion of elderly citizens—between 15.2% and 19.6%. These figures underscore the pressing need for regional policies tailored to the growing ageing population.

Reevaluating the Dependency Ratio

●      Questioning the Dependency Ratio in India

A commonly used metric in discussions about ageing populations is the dependency ratio, which measures the number of elderly (60+) compared to the working-age population (15-59 years). However, in India’s context, this ratio may not be entirely relevant. Many elderly individuals continue to work, and a significant portion of the youth population remains unemployed.

●      Working Elderly in India

A small but growing number of elderly professionals in India are re-entering the workforce as consultants and advisors. More importantly, a significant proportion of the elderly in India’s informal sector remain economically active because they cannot afford to retire. The LASI study reveals that 50% of elderly men and 22% of elderly women are currently working. However, these figures may underestimate the full extent of the elderly’s unpaid work, especially among women.

●      Elderly Contributions to Community Services

Beyond formal work, many elderly citizens are involved in community services, particularly through religious organizations such as temples and gurudwaras. These contributions are crucial to promoting social cohesion and provide elderly persons with a sense of identity. Thus, it is incorrect to paint all individuals over 60 as economically unproductive.

The Role of Elderly Women

●      Disparities Faced by Elderly Women

Elderly women in India face distinct challenges. Unlike the overall sex ratio, which is skewed in favor of men, the sex ratio among those aged 60 and above favors women, with 1,065 females for every 1,000 males. However, 68.3% of women between 60 and 75, and 73.3% of women above 75, have never attended school. Moreover, only 8% of elderly women have completed primary education.

●      Financial Dependency and Discrimination

A significant proportion of elderly women in rural areas are financially dependent on their families, with no independent source of income. Widows, in particular, face discrimination and are often marginalized. About 70% of working elderly women are engaged in agriculture and allied activities. The unpaid care work provided by elderly women—especially in caring for grandchildren and other elderly members of the family—remains largely unrecognized.

●      The Hidden Workforce of Elderly Women

A report by Age International highlights that elderly women perform around 4.3 hours of unpaid domestic and care work daily, calling them a "hidden workforce." This invisible labor plays a crucial role in maintaining household economies and societal cohesion, yet it remains undervalued and underappreciated.

Economic Challenges for Families Caring for the Elderly

●      The Financial Burden on Families

In India, families are traditionally seen as the primary caregivers for the elderly. However, with household incomes being relatively low, caring for elderly family members can impose a significant financial burden. The cost of eldercare can strain family resources, particularly in low-income households.

●      Limited Access to Government Benefits

Although both central and state governments have introduced schemes to support senior citizens, many elderly individuals are either unaware of these benefits or face difficulties in accessing them. This is particularly concerning given the economic vulnerability of many elderly people in India. The mean monthly earnings of elderly workers are only ₹6,670, far lower than those of younger workers. Additionally, households with elderly members tend to have lower per capita income and consumption expenditure.

Policy Recommendations

●      Need for a Universal Pension Scheme

Given the economic vulnerabilities faced by many elderly individuals, a universal pension scheme is the most effective way to provide them with income security. Such a scheme would protect the elderly during sickness, improve their bargaining power in the labor market, and reduce their economic dependence on families.

●      Integrating Elderly Care with Poverty Alleviation

Policies for the elderly should also be integrated with broader poverty alleviation, nutrition, and health schemes. While participation in economic activities can enhance well-being, much of the work done by the elderly is distress-driven, especially among those from low-income households. A universal pension scheme would alleviate some of this burden.

●      Health Infrastructure for the Elderly

India’s current healthcare system does not adequately address the needs of its ageing population, particularly in rural areas. Strengthening primary healthcare centers and focusing on geriatric care are essential steps. While the urban elite have access to advanced healthcare facilities, most elderly citizens, particularly those in rural areas, struggle to access even basic healthcare.

●      Training Healthcare Professionals

Another critical area of investment is the training of healthcare professionals in geriatric care. While the rising cost of healthcare is often viewed as a burden, investments in health can drive economic growth and create employment opportunities, particularly for younger generations.

●      Reskilling Older Persons

Many senior citizens are already making significant contributions to the economy through post-retirement roles. By providing access to learning opportunities, particularly in digital skills and new technologies, more elderly individuals can achieve financial independence and find a renewed sense of purpose in their later years.

Conclusion

India must adopt a sensitive approach to its rapidly growing elderly population. Rather than viewing the ageing demographic as a challenge, the country should recognize the valuable contributions of its elderly citizens. Sensible and well-planned policies—particularly those aimed at health, income security, and reskilling—are critical to ensuring that elderly Indians can live with dignity and purpose. Disparaging phrases like the “new population time bomb” must be discarded entirely, and instead, ageing should be seen as a natural transition that can strengthen social cohesion and inclusivity.

Source - The Indian Express/ORF