Convenience > India’s Aging Population: Are We Staring at a Demographic Time Bomb?
19th May 2020
INDIA’S AGING POPULATION: ARE WE STARING AT A DEMOGRAPHIC TIME BOMB?
Convenience

India’s Aging Population: Are We Staring at a Demographic Time Bomb?

The number is projected to reach “173 million” by 2026 – according to a report released by the United Nations Population Fund and HelpAge India. The increase in the population of elderly persons calls for concerted efforts to ensure their golden years are actually golden.

Why Should We Be Concerned? Alarmingly Increasing Crime Rate

“No matter who comes to power, the crimes never stop.” The adage is quite true to India as well, as the country continues to struggle to get a grip on an ever-increasing crime rate, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. One of the worst affected by the increase in crimes are seniors as they are soft targets for perpetrators.

The Rise of the Nuclear Family System

A new dawn is upon us as we move away from the traditional joint family system. During the yesteryears, the elders in the family used to have constant support of a number of family members, but that was then. Most people these days have nuclear families, and once their kids leave the nest, they are usually on their own.

A Sharp Increase in the Number of Elders in Urban Areas

Rapid urbanization in India over the last decade or so has facilitated the migration of a large number of people from rural to urban areas. As a result, from 1961 to 2011, the number of elederly persons in rural areas grew about three times – from 21 million to 71 million – whereas the number in urban areas grew more than 10x – from 3.7 to 30.6. Comment – Share recent data. This data is of 2011.

Notable Increase in Immigration

Despite the phenomenal growth that India has achieved on all conceivable fronts during the last couple of decades, an increasing number of Indians continue to leave their motherland, looking for better income and lifestyle. While people’s decision to move to a better land may not be questioned, their parents are the ones who are left behind with no one to turn to.

What Needs Be Done?

Increased Attention – A constant support system that provides the much-needed dedicated care and attention an elderly person deserves and needs. Health Monitoring – Keeping a close eye on the overall health of seniors, to help minimize the possibility of potential issues and effective management of existing ones. Emergency Support – Emergencies usually come like a thief in the night, which is why it is essential for elderly people to have a reliable emergency support system. Customized Living Spaces – The place where an elderly person lives must be thoroughly audited and customized to suit their needs. Activities & Engagement – It is extremely important that elders engage with other people and partake in activities that can help prevent age-related disorders. While Indian economy is booming, we are still far from tying all the loose ends in the sphere of elder care provisions. Reimagining eldercare and its prevalent norms in the country, Emoha Elder Care offers a comprehensive continuum of care services specially tailored to suit the specific needs of your elderly loved ones. Whether you need an emergency response system to cover for you while you are away from your elderly loved ones, or need professional assistance to care for an individual, we have got you covered. To learn more about our elder care services and plans, fill out our contact form or call 1800-123-445555. You can also write to us at eldersfirst@emoha.com.