Elderly population may double to 35 crore by 2050

Pressing need for increased investment in healthcare, housing, and pension schemes

MUMBAI: India’s elderly population is expected to double by 2050, UNFPA India chief Andrea Wojnar said, emphasizing the need for increased investment in healthcare, housing, and pensions, especially for older women who are “more likely to live alone and face poverty.”

Andrea Wojnar, Resident Representative for UNFPA India, outlined key population trends that India is prioritizing to accelerate sustainable development. These trends include the youthful population, aging population, urbanization, migration, and climate resilience, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for the nation.

Wojnar noted that as the number of individuals aged 60 and above is projected to double to 346 million by 2050, there is a pressing need for increased investment in healthcare, housing, and pension schemes, particularly for older women who are more likely to live alone and face poverty.

India has a substantial youthful population, with 252 million people aged between 10 and 19 years, Wojnar said. She highlighted that investing in health, education, job training, and job creation, alongside promoting gender equality, can unlock the potential of this demographic, driving the nation toward sustainable progress.

“With India projected to be 50 percent urban by 2050, building smart cities, strong infrastructure, and affordable housing is crucial to manage slum growth, air pollution, and environmental issues,” Wojnar said. “Urban plans should also consider women’s needs for safety and security, and access to health care, education, and jobs to promote gender equality and improve overall quality of life.”

She also emphasized that managing internal and external migration requires meticulous planning, skills development, and economic opportunity distribution. Addressing the specific challenges faced by women as migrants or spouses left behind is essential for balanced growth. Integrating climate resilience into development plans and investing in renewable energy is vital, Wojnar added.