Ageing is a natural process leading to decline in physical and mental capacity and increasing risk of diseases and death.

• It is also associated with life changes such as retirement, relocation and loss of friends or partners.
• India’s elderly population is projected to reach 347 million (~20%) by 2050, up from 8.6% in 2011. (UNFPA 2023)

Challenges Associated with Geriatric Healthcare

• Hospital-Centric Model: Systems treat individual diseases, while elderly people often suffer from multiple long-term health conditions requiring continuous and integrated care.
• Mental Health & Social Isolation: Issues like Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and depression are often undiagnosed. 
  • Preference for nuclear families has increased social isolation and "empty nest syndrome."
• Financial Insecurity: High out-of-pocket health expenditure frequently pushes households into poverty. 
  • 78% of elderly lack pension coverage and 70% are economically dependent.
• Feminization of Ageing: Women live longer but often have fewer assets and lower access to healthcare, making them more vulnerable.
• Others: Fewer trained geriatricians, Lack of Social Security, Digital Access, Rural-Urban Divide etc.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Long-Term Care (LTC): Develop integrated elderly-care systems including skilled workforce, infrastructure, and financing.
• Strengthen Digital Healthcare: Promote teleconsultation and integrated electronic health records under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).