This report, published by the RNP, Ashoka and Dalberg, presents a timely and forward-looking perspective on the demographic transitions underway across India. Rather than viewing ageing populations solely as a challenge, the report introduces a longevity-focused framework—emphasizing how people are now living longer, healthier, and more active lives.
It explores how India would be a developed nation by 2047 by numerous investments, but placing need and aspirations, such as economic, social, healthcare, infrastructure and cultural, of older adults timely would benefit the country, which would have world's largest older population by 2067.
While preparing the Report, different organisations of the society were studied. Publishers took into account how civil society organisations focused on longevity and Publisher has called them "Samaj Innovators". While focusing on civil society organisations, Report also considered those private sector organisations which working towards improving life of ageing population. The report answers foundational and fundamental questions such as who is an older person? What do we believe the life of older person should look like or why there are assumptions?
There are three key messages or findings, which are later elaborated in the Report-
A. Older adults have significant contributions to the society, as most of them remain in the workforce
providing care to their grandchildren and other family members. Some are breaking the chain like taking up new hobby or changing the career. However, most of them live at or below the poverty line.
B. Unlike the popular belief, it is more important to manage the declining health earlier to let them live the way they want to than supporting the older adults while they age. The Study further shows how every older adult has different thoughts and ways on how to live life but the commonness in all those thoughts are quality of life, security, desire for agency and well-being.
C. Caregivers or family dynamics often gets neglected. It is important to empower the caregivers and assist them with resources and skills in providing the desired life older adult needs.
Grounded in interdisciplinary research, it encourages collaboration among economists, public health experts, and policymakers to craft innovative solutions that align with the realities of an ageing, longevity-driven society.
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