India's Elder Care Boom: Challenges and Initiatives as Population Ages
The global elder care industry is booming, with India's elderly population set to reach 350 million by 2050. Organizations like the Caritasverband im Dekanat Ahaus-Vreden e.V. are committed to caring for neglected elderly people worldwide. In India, the government and NGOs are stepping up to address this growing need.
The Indian government is taking initiatives to support the elderly. Maharashtra has reduced stamp duty on properties for senior living, making it easier for seniors to purchase homes. Kerala has proposed a draft policy focusing on community care systems and accessible healthcare. Meanwhile, technological advancements are supplementing human care, with AI and robotic solutions entering the sector.
However, the situation is not without challenges. There's a documented increase in abuse and abandonment of senior citizens in India. Retirement homes, though gaining popularity, especially in the south, are not yet widespread. The global elder care products and services industry is expected to reach $1,400 billion by 2030, indicating a significant need for improvement in India's elder care landscape.
With India's elderly population set to reach 150 million by 2030, the need for robust elder care systems is urgent. The government, NGOs, and technological innovations are all playing a part in addressing this growing need. However, more efforts are required to tackle the challenges of abuse, abandonment, and limited retirement home facilities.
