Elderly Care In Indian Cultural Context

According to the report, Aging in the 21st Century: A Celebration and a Challenge submitted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and HelpAge International (October 2012), 80% of the world's older people will live in developing countries. It is important to note that in 2010 there were 23 aged economies; by 2040 there will be 89. The report further points out that over 1/3 of world's older persons will live in China and India, and India will be the home to 1 out of every 6 of the world's older persons by 2050. The elderly form 8% of India's population. This translates to over a 100 million people above the age of 60 years. The 2001 Census highlighted the feminisation of the elderly population in India. For women, being female has meant a lifetime of discrimination at home and elsewhere which continues even in old age. Approximately 66% of elderly women are fully dependent on others; 32% do not own any assets of their own. The WHO report further points out that Aging is taking place alongside other broad social trends that will affect the lives of older people. Economies are globalizing, people are more likely to live in cities, and technology is evolving rapidly. Demographic and family changes mean there will be fewer older people with families to care for them. People today have fewer children, are less likely to be married, and are less likely to live with older generations. With declining support from families, society will need better information and tools to ensure the well-being of the world's growing number of older citizens.