Amid India’s aging population, experts advocate for a community-based elder care approach to enhance geriatric services. At a recent event in New Delhi, health specialists addressed the challenges faced by the elderly in India. These challenges encompass various factors like increasing disabilities, age-related health issues such as dementia, and the urban-rural healthcare divide.
The experts underscored the importance of holistic geriatric care that is community-driven and compassionate. Dr. Rajinder K. Dhamija from the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences highlighted the significance of mental and emotional well-being alongside physical health for the elderly. He emphasized that geriatric care is not a luxury but a necessity.
India is projected to have around 230 million senior citizens by 2036, constituting 15% of the total population. The need for geriatric care to extend beyond specialized hospitals was emphasized. Rajesh Bhushan, Former Secretary of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, stressed the importance of home-based care and district-level systems to address the diverse health needs of the elderly.
Furthermore, the experts discussed the necessity to train general physicians, integrate social care with medical services, and learn from elder care models in countries like Japan and South Korea. They also highlighted the digital gap among seniors and the inadequacy of physical infrastructure to support older individuals.
Prof. Nirmal Kumar Ganguly, Former Director General of ICMR, emphasized the impact of social engagement and timely management of chronic conditions on aging outcomes. He mentioned that mental stimulation and proactive health management can significantly enhance the quality of life for seniors.
