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Abstract

This article delves into the shifting dynamics of India’s aging population amid global longevity trends. It highlights the challenges faced by the elderly in health and healthcare access, projecting a significant rise in India’s elderly population by 2050. Despite increased attention on aging issues, planning for healthcare expenses remains challenging. The focus on healthy aging prioritizes well-being and functional ability over the mere absence of disease, yet access to healthcare remains complex.

Improving public health responses, technological innovations, and organizational efforts like Vayah Vikas and AHPI are crucial to addressing these challenges. Recent publications like “Embracing the Golden Years: A Guide to Happy and Healthy Ageing” aim to aid older adults and caregivers in navigating the complexities of aging in India.

Introduction

Humankind has always sought ways to defy aging and death, driving forward scientific advancements and societal development. In India, life expectancy has greatly increased due to progress in healthcare, infrastructure, and lifestyle. However, the additional years gained often come with multiple diseases and disabilities. The global population of individuals over 60 years of age reached one billion in 2020 and is projected to reach 1.4 billion by 2030, with the number of those aged 80 or older expected to triple by 2050. In India, 104 million people were over 60 years old in 2011, and it is projected that by 2050, 19% of Indians will be over 60 years old, totaling around 320 million of the population.

This shift towards an older society initially began in developed countries but is now also observed in low- and middle-income countries, including India.

Centenarians provide valuable insights into living longer lives, although only a few individuals reach the maximum lifespan of around 120-125 years. The environment plays a crucial role in determining lifespan, extending beyond weather and pollution to encompass age-friendly environments that promote health, well-being, and participation as people age. An age-friendly environment should be accessible, equitable, inclusive, safe, secure, and

supportive, preventing disease and functional decline. The physical and social environment, as well as the support system from family, community, and the state, all contribute to an age-friendly environment.

Population aging gained attention in the early 2000s, highlighting the need for multigenerational societies and preparation for older age. Unfortunately, many older individuals in India lack planning for their twilight years, especially in terms of healthcare and long-term care expenses.

Healthy aging is a universal aspiration, but planning for it becomes challenging due to prolonged exposure to health risks and the biological decline of the body. Older individuals are prone to chronic diseases and exposure-related illnesses. Thus, the new paradigm of healthy aging focuses on providing care and support rather than being disease and disability-free.

Healthy aging is defined as developing and maintaining functional ability that enables well-being in older age.

It emphasizes the capabilities needed to meet basic needs, learn, be mobile, build relationships, and contribute to society. This approach recognizes the interaction between intrinsic capacity and the social and physical environments. An age-friendly environment, including the home, community, and society, is crucial for healthy aging. Access to affordable healthcare close to home remains a major challenge, as technological advances often come with increased costs. Many older individuals still lack subsidized healthcare and insurance coverage. Measuring health in late life is complex due to heterogeneity and diverse determinants. Non-communicable diseases burden the aging population, with influenza and COVID-19 posing significant threats.

The pandemic has highlighted the need for improved public health responses and the application of technology, such as telehealth. Data collected through machine learning and artificial intelligence can inform innovation in healthcare for older adults. While progress has been made through legislation and programs, further efforts are needed to improve the lives of older individuals. One organization working in this area is Vayah Vikas, a not-for-profit based in Bengaluru, which focuses on promoting the wellness and well-being of older adults and providing them with opportunities for productive engagement and dignified lives. The Association of Healthcare Providers – India (AHPI) has also conducted significant work on the issue of older adults in India, convening a National Health Conclave 2023 on Happy and Healthy Ageing. The Best is Yet to Come, resulting in an approach paper on their needs that was submitted to the Government of India.

Embracing the Golden Years: A Guide to Happy and Healthy Ageing is a recent publication (April 2023) endorsed by both VayahVikas and AHPI that is intended for older adults and caregivers who live in India.

Conclusion

The exploration of India’s aging population reveals the broader global trajectory toward increased lifespans. As healthcare advancements drive higher life expectancies, the elderly grapple with diverse health challenges.

Projections indicate a soaring global population over 60, with India poised for a significant rise in its elderly populace by 2050. Although this demographic shift is evident in countries like India, centenarians offer insights into longevity.