Ageing is a global phenomenon and the factors that are leading to this demographic shift are better nutrition, falling fertility rates, declining mortality, and an increasing life expectancy. High income countries such as Japan, Italy and Germany have the world’s largest proportions of elderly population exceeding 20% of their total population. At present, however, developing countries are experiencing an unprecedented demographic shift. As a result, by 2050, two-thirds of the elderly will be living in low-and-middle income countries. India, too, will join this league of nations with a high population of senior citizens.

To understand this, A day-long national conference on ‘Ageing in India: Emerging Realities, Evolving Responses’ was organised in New Delhi on 1 August 2025. The conference was organised by Sankala Foundation, a research-based organisation, in partnership with NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and the National Human Rights Commission, India.

The report, National Conference on ‘Ageing in India: Emerging realities, evolving Responses’ captures these dialogues, key takeaways, and actionable pathways.