Projects

Project Description

Background:

Global population of individuals aged 60 years and older is set to double by 2050, reaching approximately 2.1 billion. Additionally, it is anticipated that the number of individuals aged 80 years or older will triple between 2020 and 2050, reaching an estimated 426 million [1]. The National Policy for Older Persons 1999 defines elderly or senior citizens as individuals aged over 60 years [2]. The older population in India is experiencing an average annual growth rate nearly three times higher than the overall population growth rate. Presently, India is home to the world's second-largest elderly population, with around 140 million people aged 60 and above [3]. Data from the National Commission on Population of India indicates that the geriatric population currently constitutes approximately 9% of the total population, and projections suggest it may double to 18% by the year 2036 [1]. This increasing geriatric population requires comprehensive health policies to provide happy and self-reliant lives to senior citizens.  The Indian government has initiated several schemes aimed to ensure happy, healthy and self-reliance lives of senior citizens [4].