Challenges Posed by India’s Ageing Population

1. Healthcare Challenges
   • The elderly population often requires extensive healthcare for chronic and geriatric diseases like diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular conditions.
   • As per the India Ageing Report 2023, there is an increasing demand for affordable and accessible healthcare services tailored to the needs of senior citizens.
2. Economic Dependency
   • A rising dependency ratio as the elderly population grows will place financial pressure on the working-age population.
   • A smaller workforce relative to dependents can reduce productivity and economic growth.
3. Inadequate Social Security
   • Limited pension and social security coverage leave many elderly individuals financially vulnerable, particularly in the unorganized sector.
4. Infrastructure Deficits
   • Insufficient geriatric care facilities, lack of accessible public infrastructure, and unavailability of age-friendly homes create hardships for senior citizens.
5. Social Challenges
   • Changing family structures, including the decline of joint families, have left many elderly individuals without traditional caregiving support.

Role of Family Planning Policies in Addressing Ageing Challenges

1. Population Stabilization
   • Holistic family planning policies can ensure a balanced age structure by maintaining a sustainable Total Fertility Rate (TFR). This helps mitigate the economic strain of an ageing population.
2. Healthy Ageing Advocacy
   • Family planning policies can incorporate elements that promote healthcare access for all age groups, emphasizing preventive care and lifestyle changes for the elderly.
3. Enhancing Workforce Participation
   • Encouraging flexible retirement policies and opportunities for older adults in the workforce helps reduce economic dependency.
4. Support for Caregiving Systems
   • Policies can incentivize family caregiving and promote community-based elder care services, ensuring social security for the ageing population.
5. Investment in Human Capital
   • By linking family planning with education, healthcare, and employment, a skilled workforce can be developed to support the ageing population.

Conclusion

India must address its demographic shifts through an integrated approach combining family planning, economic policies, and social support systems. A focus on healthcare, education, and inclusive development is essential for leveraging the demographic dividend while preparing for the challenges posed by an ageing population.