ELDERLY HEALTH IN INDIA: A DISCUSSION

The elderly population (ageing 60 above) in India is increasing and is projected to climb by 11% point between 2010 to 2050 (UNPD, 2011). Due to better living condition and improved well-being, better health care system, availability of medicines, awareness among the people the mortality rate has reduced substantially. This demography brings a new economic and social concerns afront. The present work tries to investigate the health perception, nature and status of ailment and treatment availed by this part of population in India along with their demographic profile. The database used in the study is the 71st round dataset of National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO). The work gives a brief review of the recent policies and initiatives taken to end the health challenges faced by the ageing population. Probable policy recommendations have been made that can potentially address the health concerns of the elderly in the country.