Health Care for Indian Elderly: Time for a Shift in Policy?

Abstract

The tremendous growth of the elderly population in India has led to an expansion of demand for health, housing accommodation and pensions for aging populations and is thus of crucial importance for governments, policy makers, planners, and researchers in the country. The paper examines the healthcare system for the elderly in India and its implications for the elderly population. The paper also looks at the issues affecting the elderly females as the female life expectancy is going to be much higher than male life expectancy. The paper suggests that policy shift is needed to improve the condition of the elderly. It is strongly recommended that government of India should invest in health as a precondition for development of human resources and active ageing. Further, India must facilitate age-friendly businesses and environments, and innovations in home-based and personal care. The author is of the view that not only the private sector be allowed the business and economic freedom to bring in better age related products and improved medical facilities for the Indian elderly, there should be private-public partnership to provide quality care to them.