TAG: GS 1: SOCIETY
THE CONTEXT: The elderly population in India is projected to double by 2050, reaching an estimated 346 million individuals aged 60 and above.
EXPLANATION:
- This demographic shift, highlighted by UNFPA India chief, need for enhanced investments in healthcare, housing, and pension schemes, with particular attention to older women who face higher risks of living alone and experiencing poverty.
Key Population Trends and Priorities
- Ageing Population
- India’s demographic landscape is rapidly changing, with the elderly population expected to double in the coming decades.
- This significant increase demands a robust response in terms of social infrastructure and support systems.
- Healthcare: There is a critical need to expand and improve healthcare services tailored to the elderly. This includes geriatric care, chronic disease management, and accessible medical facilities.
- Housing: Adequate and affordable housing solutions are essential to ensure that the elderly live in safe and comfortable environments.
- Pension Schemes: Strengthening pension schemes is crucial to provide financial security for the aging population, particularly for those who have no other means of support.
Gender-Specific Challenges
- Older women are more likely to live alone and face economic hardships, making targeted support essential.
- Economic Vulnerability: Older women often have limited financial resources due to lower lifetime earnings and savings. It necessitates targeted financial assistance and pension plans.
- Social Isolation: Programs to combat social isolation and provide community support are vital for improving the quality of life for elderly women.
Youthful Population
- India’s substantial youthful population, with 252 million individuals aged between 10 and 19 years, presents both challenges and opportunities.
- Investing in this demographic can drive sustainable progress.
- Health and Education: Prioritizing health and education for the youth is essential to build a skilled and healthy workforce.
- Job Training and Creation: Providing job training and creating employment opportunities will harness the potential of the youthful population.
- Gender Equality: Promoting gender equality ensures that young women have equal access to education and job opportunities, which is crucial for holistic development.
Urbanization
- With India projected to be 50% urban by 2050, managing urban growth is a significant challenge.
- Smart Cities: Developing smart cities with strong infrastructure and affordable housing is crucial to manage urban issues like slum growth and air pollution.
- Women’s Safety and Access: Urban planning should consider the safety and security needs of women, ensuring they have access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Migration
- Internal and external migration requires careful planning to balance economic opportunities and address the needs of migrant populations.
- Skills Development: Providing skill development programs for migrants can facilitate their integration into the workforce.
- Economic Opportunity Distribution: Ensuring that economic opportunities are evenly distributed can reduce the pressures of migration on specific areas.
- Support for Women Migrants: Addressing the challenges faced by women as migrants or spouses left behind is crucial for balanced growth.
Climate Resilience
- Integrating climate resilience into development plans is vital to mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.
- Renewable Energy: Investing in renewable energy sources can reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainable development.
- Resilient Infrastructure: Building infrastructure that can withstand climate-related challenges is essential for long-term sustainability.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), formerly the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, is a UN agency aimed at improving reproductive and maternal health worldwide.
- Its work includes developing national healthcare strategies and protocols, increasing access to birth control, and leading campaigns against child marriage, gender-based violence, obstetric fistula, and female genital mutilation.
- Headquarters: New York City, United States