Navigating the Epidemiological Landscape of Aging in Rural India: Imperative for Policy Pathways
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56450/JEFI.2024.v2i01.006Abstract
India is currently experiencing a significant demographic transition characterized by a remarkable increase in its elderly population, particularly in rural areas.(1) The country’s aged population is expected to grow by 279% between 2022 and 2050, with the expectation that by 2046 they will outnumber children aged 0-15 years (2,3). This demographic change comes with a range of challenges including poverty, gender inequality, social isolation and limited access to quality healthcare (4).
There are complex and varied healthcare needs of elderly people in rural India, with declining physical and mental health, vulnerability to multiple health problems such as chronic diseases, mobility difficulties and cognitive decline (4). During this period of life, access to quality healthcare becomes very essential but many aged individuals in India do not have the means or support required to maintain their wellness (1).
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1. Das J, Kundu S, Hossain B. Rural-urban difference in meeting the need for healthcare and food among older adults: evidence from India. BMC Public Health. 2023;23(1):1231. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16126-4
2. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Government of India. National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly [Internet]. 2020 [cited 22 March 2024]. Available from: https://main.mohfw.gov.in/?q=major-programmes/Non-Communicable-Diseases/Non-Communicable-Diseases-1
3. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Government of India. Elderly in India [Internet]. 2024 [cited 21 March 2024]. Available from: https://mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/Elderly%20in%20India%202021.pdf
4. NITI Aayog. Senior Care Reforms in India - Reimagining the Senior Care Paradigm: A Position Paper [Internet]. 2024.[cited 22 March 2024]. Available from: https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2024-02/Senior%20Care%20Reforms%20in%20India%20FINAL%20FOR%20WEBSITE_compressed.pdf
5. Ministry of Law and Justice Government of India. Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act. [Online] [cited 21 March 2024]. Available from: https://lddashboard.legislative.gov.in/actsofparliamentfromtheyear/maintenance-and-welfare-parents-and-senior-citizens-act-2007
6. Ministry of Law and Justice Government of India. National Policy for Older Persons [Internet]. 1999 [cited 21 March 2024]]. Available from: https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/National%20Policy%20for%20Older%20Persons%20Year%201999.pdf
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Copyright (c) 2024 Nitin Kumar Joshi, Pankaj Bhardwaj (Author)
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