70 pc of India's elderly financially dependent; many face health issues: Report

Nearly 70 per cent of Indias elderly population remains financially dependent with many continuing to work postretirement to survive according to a new reportThe study Ageing in India Challenges and Opportunities was released by the Sankala Foundation in partnership with NITI Aayog the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the National Human Rights CommissionIt draws on findings from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India LASI offering a detailed snapshot of Indias rapidly greying populationDespite improved life expectancy the report highlights that many elderly Indians live with economic and health insecuritiesThe report said that about 64 per cent of the elderly reduced their meal sizes 56 per cent went hungry without eating and 42 per cent did not eat for an entire day at least once in the past yearOdisha 371 per cent and Uttar Pradesh 366 per cent reported the highest prevalence of underweight elderly while Dadra and Nagar Haveli led among Union Territories with 401 per centOverweight and obesity were most prevalent in Punjab 28 per cent and Chandigarh 215 per cent Cardiovascular diseases affect 356 per cent hypertension 32 per cent and diabetes 132 per cent of those aged 60 and above Goa and Kerala report the highest rates of cardiovascular disease 60 per cent and 57 per cent respectively while diabetes is most prevalent in Kerala 35 per cent Puducherry 28 per cent and Delhi 26 per centBone and joint issues are another concern with 19 per cent of the elderly suffering from such conditionsTelangana leads with the highest prevalence at 33 per cent while arthritis is most commonly reported in Jammu amp Kashmir 22 per cent and across all southern statesMental health issues are rising with 30 per cent of the elderly experiencing depressive symptoms and 8 per cent showing signs of probable major depressionThe report noted a 10 per cent gap between selfreported and clinically screened cases suggesting underdiagnosis Elderly women are disproportionately affected especially widows and those facing illtreatment or povertySocial isolation is growing with 187 per cent of elderly women and 51 per cent of men now living alone The erosion of joint family structures has exacerbated loneliness especially among older womenIn Kerala 65 per cent smartphone penetration was found among the elderlyAgebased discrimination is prevalent especially in Delhi where 129 per cent of elderly respondents reported experiencing one form of discrimination and 123 per cent reported facing two or moreOne in ten elderly felt that age was the primary reason for discrimination with rural and poorer older adults more vulnerableKerala continues to top the chart with 165 per cent of its population aged 60 followed by Tamil Nadu 136 per cent Himachal Pradesh 131 per cent and Punjab 126 per cent as of 2021 Bihar 77 per cent Uttar Pradesh 81 per cent and Assam 82 per cent reported the lowest proportionsWhile the central government has taken steps such as expanding Ayushman Bharat coverage to all citizens above 70 years the report called for greater interministerial coordination investment in homebased care and agefriendly infrastructureIt also advocated for public campaigns to challenge ageism and promote the social inclusion of older citizensThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever