New Delhi, India – UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) India, in partnership with the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), has unveiled the much-anticipated “India Ageing Report 2023.” This comprehensive report delves into the challenges, opportunities, and institutional responses surrounding elderly care in India, offering insights as the country undergoes a significant demographic shift toward an ageing population.
The report was jointly launched by Mr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (Government of India), and Ms. Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative, and Country Director Bhutan.
The India Ageing Report 2023 provides a comprehensive examination of the living conditions and welfare of older individuals in India. It leverages the latest data from sources such as the Longitudinal Ageing Survey in India (LASI), 2017–18, Census of India, Population Projections by the Government of India (2011–2036), and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs’ World Population Prospects 2022, offering an up-to-date perspective.
“As India ages, it is imperative to ensure that our elderly population has access to the care and support they need to live healthy, dignified, and fulfilling lives,” said Mr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. “The India Ageing Report 2023 provides a valuable roadmap for achieving this goal, and I urge all stakeholders to work together to implement its recommendations.”
Ms. Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative, and Country Director Bhutan, noted, “This comprehensive report is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, program managers, and all stakeholders involved in elder care. Older persons have contributed significantly to society, and they deserve nothing less than our best efforts to ensure their well-being.”
The report’s key findings encompass a wide range of analyses related to elderly well-being, including:
•The need for enhanced geriatric care to address the unique healthcare requirements of seniors.
•Numerous government schemes and policies addressing the health, financial empowerment, and capacity-building needs of the elderly population.
•Engagement of community-based organizations in digital empowerment through computer and internet usage sessions.
•Ministerial committees dedicated to shaping policies for elderly welfare.
•Corporate initiatives for joyful aging, social assistance, old age homes, and elder abuse awareness campaigns.
The India Ageing Report 2023 serves as a critical resource in understanding and addressing the evolving needs of India’s ageing population and ensuring their well-being and dignity in the years to come.
