States » NorthPosted at: Oct 1 2026 11:53AM


India urgently needs national eldercare policy that looks at various aspects of healthy ageing: Dr Naresh Purohit

Hamirpur (HP), Oct 1 (UNI) India urgently needs a National Eldercare Policy covering healthy ageing through care, financial support, capacity-building and infrastructure, based on expert inputs and the lived experiences of older people and their families, said Dr Naresh Purohit, Advisor to the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE).
Speaking to reporters here after addressing a seminar on "Challenges of Ageing in Indians" organised by the Sirmaur-based Indian Institute of Management on the eve of International Day for Older Persons, noted Epidemiologist Dr Purohit pointed out that by 2050, 20 percent of India's population is expected to be over 60. However, our policy landscape seems remarkably indifferent to the needs of this demographic transition.
"It is not just about the fact that people are living longer; it is about the quality of life as people age and how we support that journey as a nation. Today, many elderly live with multiple chronic illnesses and loss of mobility, cognitive ability and agency. "he added.
Renowned medic averred that the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly focuses on hospital-based care and doesn't cover home-based long-term care that most seniors need today.
"A private members' bill introduced in 2019 for elder care and protection is languishing in a parliamentary database," he added.
He pointed out that while there is some awareness about the impact of chronic diseases on our elderly population, there is hardly any discussion about other issues faced by them and their families. For example, India currently has approximately 8.8 million people living with dementia – and is expected to reach 16.9 million by 2036. The lack of awareness around this issue means most people don't know how to recognise early signs of cognitive decline or access care before the disease worsens.
He emphasised that a dignified and healthy old age should not be restricted to the top 1 per cent of the population, who can afford the care the elderly deserve. It should be a right and it is time we created the policy guardrails for it.
Experts in the seminar averred that India's joint family structure, once the default eldercare system, is fading fast. As per the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), India's total fertility rate has dropped below replacement levels and stood at 1.9 in 2023. Young adults today could be many miles, continents and time zones away from their ageing parents. This means many elderly people, especially in urban areas, will live with minimal support or completely alone. In cases where the elderly live near, or with, their adult children, caregiving responsibilities fall on women, who are already balancing work, children and household responsibilities.
Experts said that family members struggle with the emotional fallout of watching a loved older person go from a strong, independent member of society to someone unable to recognise her own home or children.
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