India’s rapidly greying population is grappling with deep economic dependency and worsening health indicators, a new report has revealed, raising urgent questions about the nation’s preparedness to support its ageing citizens.
Released by the Sankala Foundation in collaboration with NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and the National Human Rights Commission, the report titled “Ageing in India: Challenges and Opportunities” draws extensively from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI). It presents a sobering snapshot of the quality of life experienced by Indians aged 60 and above.
According to the findings, nearly 70 per cent of the elderly remain financially dependent, many of whom are compelled to continue working well past retirement age to meet basic needs. Despite advances in life expectancy, economic insecurity persists, with 6.4 per cent of surveyed elderly reducing meal sizes, 5.6 per cent going hungry, and 4.2 per cent skipping meals for an entire day at least once during the past year.
“The data underscores the growing vulnerability of elderly Indians, especially women and those in rural or economically disadvantaged areas,” the report said.
Nutrition disparities remain stark. Odisha (37.1 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (36.6 per cent) reported the highest prevalence of underweight elderly, while Dadra and Nagar Haveli led among Union Territories at 40.1 per cent. Conversely, obesity and overweight were most prevalent in Punjab (28 per cent) and Chandigarh (21.5 per cent).
Chronic illnesses continue to weigh heavily on the aged. The report notes that 35.6 per cent suffer from cardiovascular diseases, 32 per cent from hypertension, and 13.2 per cent from diabetes. Goa and Kerala registered the highest rates of heart conditions, at 60 per cent and 57 per cent respectively. Diabetes was most widespread in Kerala (35 per cent), followed by Puducherry (28 per cent) and Delhi (26 per cent).
Bone and joint ailments affect 19 per cent of elderly respondents, with the highest incidence in Telangana (33 per cent). Arthritis, meanwhile, is most frequently reported in Jammu and Kashmir (22 per cent) and across southern states.
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Mental health issues are emerging as another major concern. The report finds 30 per cent of the elderly experience depressive symptoms, with 8 per cent showing signs of probable major depression. It also highlights a 10 per cent gap between self-reported and clinically identified cases, suggesting underdiagnosis. The burden is disproportionately borne by elderly women, especially widows and those subjected to neglect or abuse.
Social isolation is on the rise, particularly among older women. The breakdown of the joint family system has led to 18.7 per cent of elderly women and 5.1 per cent of men living alone. The report warns that loneliness among senior citizens is deepening, especially in urban areas.
Kerala, which has the highest proportion of elderly in the country at 16.5 per cent, also recorded 65 per cent smartphone penetration among seniors—reflecting a potentially encouraging trend in digital inclusion. Tamil Nadu (13.6 per cent), Himachal Pradesh (13.1 per cent), and Punjab (12.6 per cent) follow closely in elderly population share. In contrast, Bihar (7.7 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (8.1 per cent), and Assam (8.2 per cent) report the lowest proportions.
Age-based discrimination was particularly prominent in Delhi, where 12.9 per cent of elderly respondents reported experiencing at least one form of discrimination, and 12.3 per cent reported two or more. One in ten felt that their age was the primary cause for being treated unfairly.
While the central government has taken steps to support senior citizens, such as extending Ayushman Bharat health coverage to those aged above 70 — the report urged stronger inter-ministerial coordination, more investment in home-based care, and the creation of age-friendly urban infrastructure.
It also called for national public campaigns to fight ageism and promote dignity, inclusion, and support for senior citizens. “We must look at ageing not as a burden but as an opportunity to build a society that values wisdom, experience, and care,” the report recommended.
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