The world is experiencing a major demographic shift, with people living longer and fertility rates declining. Ageing has emerged as a critical global issue with far-reaching social and economic implications. By 2050, the global elderly population will reach 2.1 billion, representing 21.1% of the world’s population. This transition demands stronger healthcare systems, robust social protection, and innovative policy approaches to address the complex needs of senior citizens. India is at the heart of this transformation. In 2022, 149 million Indians were aged 60 and above, a figure projected to rise to 347 million by 2050, making up 20.8% of the total population. Southern states such as Kerala, Goa, and Tamil Nadu already report the highest elderly proportions and old-age dependency ratios. However, India’s elderly face multiple challenges: low literacy levels, financial insecurity, high economic dependency, and an increasing burden of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cognitive decline.

This Status Report presents:

• Global and national trends in population ageing
• Economic, health, and social implications for India’s elderly
• Existing constitutional, legislative, and policy frameworks
• Government initiatives such as the Integrated Programme for Older Persons and National Policy on Older Persons
• Expert recommendations to create an inclusive, age-friendly ecosystem in India

The report draws insights from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI, Wave 1) for socio-economic and health indicators. It also reflects expert consultations and recommendations from the National Seminar on ‘Ageing in India: Actionable Solutions’ organised by Sankala Foundation in collaboration with National Human Rights Commission (December 2024, New Delhi), which brought together policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to identify policy gaps and actionable strategies.