Population Ageing: Health and Social Care of Elderly Persons

Abstract

India has over 100 million older persons (Census 2011), which is projected to triple by 2050. The growing cohort of elderly especially the 'oldest-old', has implications for the health and social systems, as they have greater demand for long term care. Given the changing social-cultural context withering inter￾generational bonding and filial piety, the State will have to play a greater role in caring for them. This paper examines the role of age, morbidity, limitations in ADL and IADL, disability and dementia among elderly viz-a-vis long-term care availability and unmet needs in terms of both health and social-care by presenting a situational analysis of health and care needs of elderly people. It presents the factors leading to changing demand, access to and supply of care that need to be considered while designing care models for them. Strengthening primary health care and innovative community based models can be a possible solution to address their needs.