India must urgently strengthen its healthcare and social support systems to meet the needs of its rapidly growing elderly population, a doctor from the Regional Hospital in Kullu has warned, stressing the need for affordable treatment, early diagnosis and dignified living conditions for senior citizens.
According to the India Ageing Report 2023, published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), people aged 60 and above are expected to account for 20.8 per cent of India’s population by 2050, up from around 10.5 per cent in 2022. This means nearly 347 million Indians could be senior citizens by 2050.
The doctor, who holds an MD in Medicine, said India must move beyond celebrating its young population and prepare for the challenges of ageing. “The question is no longer whether India will age, but whether it will do so with dignity or neglect,” the doctor observed.
The doctor highlighted that elderly people often suffer from multiple health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, respiratory problems and memory loss. However, India’s healthcare system often treats these conditions separately instead of addressing the overall health and wellbeing of the patient.
Rural elderly people face additional difficulties because of limited diagnostic facilities, a shortage of specialists and high travel costs. Community Health Centres across India reportedly face a 79.5 per cent shortfall in required specialists, making timely diagnosis and treatment difficult for many senior citizens.
The doctor called for stronger primary healthcare services, early screening, affordable medicines and better access to diagnostic tests. Home-based healthcare, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and mental health support should also be expanded to help older people live independently.
The article further highlighted the changing role of families as migration, urbanisation and demanding work schedules leave many elderly parents living alone. It also raised concerns about elder abuse, financial exploitation and neglect.
The doctor stressed that government programmes and existing laws must be supported by stronger community services, financial protection and age-friendly public infrastructure.India must focus on five priorities: early diagnosis, integrated healthcare, affordable treatment, family support and protection of senior citizens’ rights.
The doctor concluded that a developed nation should be judged not only by economic growth and infrastructure but also by how it treats its elderly population. India must act now to ensure that every older citizen can live with security, respect and dignity.
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