Geriatric care a national imperative for India’s ageing population, say experts

Experts are sounding the alarm on the urgent need for enhanced geriatric care in India, as the nation braces for a significant demographic shift. Government projections indicate that by 2036, the number of senior citizens in India will soar to approximately 230 million, accounting for about 15 percent of the total population. This burgeoning elderly demographic is expected to place unprecedented demands on the country's healthcare infrastructure, necessitating immediate policy interventions and resource allocations. The current healthcare system, experts argue, is ill-prepared to meet the unique needs of an ageing population. Geriatric care requires specialized medical training and facilities that cater specifically to age-related ailments, yet such resources remain scarce across the nation. Moreover, the cultural shift from joint family structures to nuclear families has left many elderly individuals without traditional support systems, further exacerbating the challenge. To address these concerns, stakeholders are advocating for comprehensive strategies that include increased investment in geriatric education for healthcare professionals and the development of age-friendly communities. Additionally, there is a call for government policies that support elderly care services and infrastructure development. As India stands on the cusp of this demographic transformation, experts emphasize that proactive measures today are crucial to ensuring a dignified and healthy life for its ageing citizens tomorrow.

— Authored by Next24 Live