16-Jan-2023: UN World Social Report 2023: Leaving no one behind in an ageing world
Key Highlights of the Report
- Elderly population to double in next three decades
- Elderly population to reach 1.6 billion in 2050, accounting for more than 16% of the global population
- North Africa, West Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa expected to experience fastest growth in elderly population
- Europe and North America combined have the highest share of older persons
- Demographic shift raises questions on old-age support arrangements
- Gender inequality persists into old age
Ageing of the Population
- Refers to the process by which the proportion of older individuals in a society increases over time
- Measured by the proportion of the population that is over a certain age, such as 65 years or older
- In India, share of elderly population close to 9% in 2011, expected to reach 18% by 2036
Problems Associated with the Ageing Population
- Healthcare costs
- Social security imbalance
- Mental health issues
- Negligence by children towards their old parents
- Disillusionment due to retirement
- Feeling of powerlessness, loneliness, uselessness, and isolation in the elderly
- Generational gap
Current Schemes Related to Old Age Population
- Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)
- Integrated Program for Older Persons (IPOP)
- SAMPANN Project
- SACRED Portal for Elderly
- Elder Line: Toll-Free Number for Elderly
- World Health Organization and UN designated 2021-2030 as Decade of Healthy Aging
Solutions
- Focusing on healthcare and social security
- Providing financial security to elderly
- Linking Corporate Social Responsibility with elderly empowerment
- Creating old age self-help groups
- Promoting intergenerational bonding through activities that bring together older and younger citizens.