The Science of Healthy Ageing: What India Can Learn From Global Geriatric Care Models

India is at a demographic turning point.

- SONIA MEHTA

With more than 149 million individuals aged 60 and above today, and the proportion of elderly people to nearly double by 2050, India has pressing health issues. In contrast to maternal and child care, geriatric care has not been given systematic priority in India's policy agenda. However, data from international models of geriatric care prove that it's not merely a matter of longevity to age well—it is a matter of ageing healthier, with independence and dignity.

The Health Profile of India's Elderly The disease burden among older Indians is now moving from infectious diseases to chronic, non-communicable illnesses (NCDs). The Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) finds that 75% of the elderly have at least one chronic illness, and almost a quarter have functional limitations in everyday activities. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and dementia are increasingly widespread. Mental illness is also on the rise: one in five elderly Indians experience depression or anxiety, too often undiagnosed.

It is aggravated by lack of access to healthcare. A meagre 18% of Indian elderly have health insurance coverage, resulting in high out-of-pocket expenditure, while geriatric services are mostly found in urban tertiary hospitals. Even basic preventive services and rehabilitation are unaffordable in rural areas that house 70% of the elderly.

Learning from Global Approaches to Healthy Ageing Countries that have already experienced population ageing provide useful lessons for India. What their experience indicates is that healthy ageing is not just about treatment, but about developing health systems that avert decline, prolong independence, and enhance quality of life.