Ageing India- Young India will grow old in next five years
Ageing India
Young India will grow old in next five years
As per the 2010 census, 19,18,53,000 people in India were of 50 years and above, which made about 16.4 per cent of the total population.
According to the US Census Bureau, this is projected to increase to 20 per cent (26,49,13,000) in 2020 and 24.3 per cent (35,55,96,000) in 2030; 28.5 per cent (44,82,23,000) in 2040 and 32.6 per cent (54,04,24,000) in 2050.
As per 2011 Indian census, number of people over 60 years exceeds children below five years . This is because fertility in India is fast declining and rate of mortality in 0-5 group increasing due to child hood infections , malnutrition & increased mortality at birth due to poor health care of expectant mothers. On the other hand life expectancy at 60 has gone up to 18years due to better life stlye & health awareness among 60+ Thus the number of people over 60 years is fast increasing.
Compared to 2001 Census 2011 has recorded a 2.8% effective fall in the population of 0-6 age group, 1.3% rise in the population of 65+ and 1.5% rise in the age group 60-65
It is estimated that the population aged 60 years and above will grow from 120+ millions i.e 10.3 per cent of the total population in 20011, to 300 million, 17 per cent of the total population by 2030.
"The wide range of health levels is evident when looking at the prevalence of disability of 93% in Indian elderly. Hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, cardiac problems, Dementia, Parkinson, Alzheimer are becoming the common chronic conditions.
“ To enable the elderly to live full, enriching and productive lives, they need to remain connected to the world, staying among and in harmony with their beloved ones and others of all ages in their communities,” The transition to nuclear families is expected to lead to a crisis situation for the ageing population in India. The question people will then face is ‘who should take care of the aged’. The expected 300 million aged should not be seen as a burden on productive population. Rather, growing old should be seen as an opportunity to bring benefit to the lives of millions of children, young and adults, through their experience, knowledge and wisdom.
The Siren has been sounded on the occasion of the World Health Day 2012, by the World Health Organization ( WHO). The health organization said ageing population necessitates that the country embark on a path to universalize healthcare.
Govt. is under pressure over health care for senior citizens :
The health insurance will not be a way out, as elderly will be worst impacted with the upward revision of health insurance products. Govt. may find it difficult to take care of ever increasing monetary liability.
BPS therefore, propose that: (A) For superannuated Elderly; (1) The govt. should strengthen & pool together the existing healthcare schemes like RELHS,ECHS CGHs etc.(2) Empanel adequate number of super specialty hospitals & diagnostic centers to bring healthcare within easy reach.(3) Issue smart cards with all India validity to enable the beneficiary to avail cashless treatment in case of medical emergencies.(4) Constitute hospital advisory committees with adequate representation of pensioners to oversee the facilities.
(B) For other elderly;
(1) Up grade all District govt. hospitals & ESI hospitals to super specialty hospital and State govt. primary health units to specialty hospitals with geriatric wards and sr citizen OPDS.
(2) Under corporate social responsibility scheme; Every 100 bedded private hospital should compulsorily reserve 10-20% beds for Sr. citizen geriatric patients
(3) All hospitals should have Hospital advisory committees with adequate representations of Sr Citizens & pensioners organizations to oversee the facilities for Sr citizens & pensioners.
Above proposal if accepted will help improving the situation .
Er.S.C.Maheshwari
Young India will grow old in next five years
As per the 2010 census, 19,18,53,000 people in India were of 50 years and above, which made about 16.4 per cent of the total population.
According to the US Census Bureau, this is projected to increase to 20 per cent (26,49,13,000) in 2020 and 24.3 per cent (35,55,96,000) in 2030; 28.5 per cent (44,82,23,000) in 2040 and 32.6 per cent (54,04,24,000) in 2050.
As per 2011 Indian census, number of people over 60 years exceeds children below five years . This is because fertility in India is fast declining and rate of mortality in 0-5 group increasing due to child hood infections , malnutrition & increased mortality at birth due to poor health care of expectant mothers. On the other hand life expectancy at 60 has gone up to 18years due to better life stlye & health awareness among 60+ Thus the number of people over 60 years is fast increasing.
Compared to 2001 Census 2011 has recorded a 2.8% effective fall in the population of 0-6 age group, 1.3% rise in the population of 65+ and 1.5% rise in the age group 60-65
It is estimated that the population aged 60 years and above will grow from 120+ millions i.e 10.3 per cent of the total population in 20011, to 300 million, 17 per cent of the total population by 2030.
"The wide range of health levels is evident when looking at the prevalence of disability of 93% in Indian elderly. Hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, cardiac problems, Dementia, Parkinson, Alzheimer are becoming the common chronic conditions.
“ To enable the elderly to live full, enriching and productive lives, they need to remain connected to the world, staying among and in harmony with their beloved ones and others of all ages in their communities,” The transition to nuclear families is expected to lead to a crisis situation for the ageing population in India. The question people will then face is ‘who should take care of the aged’. The expected 300 million aged should not be seen as a burden on productive population. Rather, growing old should be seen as an opportunity to bring benefit to the lives of millions of children, young and adults, through their experience, knowledge and wisdom.
The Siren has been sounded on the occasion of the World Health Day 2012, by the World Health Organization ( WHO). The health organization said ageing population necessitates that the country embark on a path to universalize healthcare.
Govt. is under pressure over health care for senior citizens :
The health insurance will not be a way out, as elderly will be worst impacted with the upward revision of health insurance products. Govt. may find it difficult to take care of ever increasing monetary liability.
BPS therefore, propose that: (A) For superannuated Elderly; (1) The govt. should strengthen & pool together the existing healthcare schemes like RELHS,ECHS CGHs etc.(2) Empanel adequate number of super specialty hospitals & diagnostic centers to bring healthcare within easy reach.(3) Issue smart cards with all India validity to enable the beneficiary to avail cashless treatment in case of medical emergencies.(4) Constitute hospital advisory committees with adequate representation of pensioners to oversee the facilities.
(B) For other elderly;
(1) Up grade all District govt. hospitals & ESI hospitals to super specialty hospital and State govt. primary health units to specialty hospitals with geriatric wards and sr citizen OPDS.
(2) Under corporate social responsibility scheme; Every 100 bedded private hospital should compulsorily reserve 10-20% beds for Sr. citizen geriatric patients
(3) All hospitals should have Hospital advisory committees with adequate representations of Sr Citizens & pensioners organizations to oversee the facilities for Sr citizens & pensioners.
Above proposal if accepted will help improving the situation .
Er.S.C.Maheshwari
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