Focus Area on Ageing
Rapid changes in life expectancy and fertility rates are leading to prominent demographic
changes across the globe. Resultingly, the world is experiencing a shift in population age
structures, with the proportion and size of elderly persons increasing swiftly. The World
Health Organization estimates that the number of people aged above 60 years is expected
to double from one billion, as of 2020 to 2.1 billion by 2050, making up 22% of the total
world population. It is also estimated that one in six people will be over the age of 60 years
by 2030, a number that deserves immediate attention.
High-income countries like Japan, Italy and Germany have some of the highest proportions
of elderly people, reaching more than 20% of their total population. This has posed
significant challenges for countries and their institutional systems.
India too is witnessing rapid demographic shifts and an uptick in elderly population. In 2022,
elderly made up 10% of the total population, with 140 million older persons. By 2050, it is
expected that elderly will make up 20% of the total population, reaching 347 million people.
Southern states report some of the highest proportions of older adults, resulting in
relatively increased old-age dependency ratios. As per the Census of India 2011, Kerala
recorded the highest proportion of elderly at 12.6%, followed by Tamil Nadu at 10.4%.
States in other parts of the country are experiencing a similar shift. Himachal and Punjab
already have 13.1% and 12.6% elderly in their population.