Context
According to the India Ageing Report 2023 published by the United Nations Population Fund, India's senior population is expected to grow fourfold by 2050 and make up 20.8% of the nation's overall population. The paper focuses on the impact this demographic change might have on the economy, social welfare, and a variety of healthcare-related issues.

Demographic shift  
·         A demographic shift indicates that there is a large increase in India's elderly population. It is estimated that by 2050, it would treble to make up 20.8% of the population, creating issues for society, the economy, and health.
·         There are regional variances between states, with a higher proportion of elderly persons living in southern states. 
·         Women make up a larger share of India's senior population than men do, and their economic and social stability is crucial. There would be an increase, but at a slower pace, in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh among others.

Economic Inequalities and Support  
·         Income Inequality: States have wide disparities in income, and more than 40% of seniors live in the lowest wealth quintile.
·         Seniors in rural areas: A sizable share of the senior population in rural areas experiences financial hardship. It is necessary to have a wide spectrum of assistance, including social services, financial stability, and medical attention.  
·         Awareness and Accessibility: Many elderly persons are unaware of existing government programmes or have difficulty acquiring access to them. Public and private policies must create more hospitable ecosystems.

Suggestions for action  
·         Promote programmes and policies: It emphasises the need for public and private policies to create an environment that is more hospitable for the elderly population in order to ensure that they can live in dignity.
·         Planning for elderly healthcare calls for a comprehensive and all-encompassing approach that should address income inequalities, offer individualised care for the elderly, and raise public awareness of and access to government schemes for older citizens.
·         The demographic change and the challenges brought on by India's ageing population are still issues.

Conclusion  
To solve the problems, a "whole-of-society" strategy that takes into account social assistance, necessities like food and shelter, physical and mental health, and income stability is required. Each person's healthcare needs should be taken into account when providing geriatric care. Even though there are numerous programmes aimed at the elderly, many are either unaware of them or find the registration process challenging. Existing policies like the National Policy on Older Persons (1999) and the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (2007) provide guidance on how to care for the elderly. To ensure that senior citizens live with dignity, governmental and private policies must promote a more supportive environment.

LTX Mains Question
Q. Analyse how India's ageing population affects society and the economy, as well as the challenges it poses. What laws and methods were used to deal with these problems?