Presenter(s):
Manoj Sonune, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India
Abstract
The demographic transition is leading to rapid ageing of India’s population and significant changes in the social structures, thereby posing socioeconomic and policy challenges for older care. Drawing on data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) and other sources, this study reviews the current social and health policies for older adults. The exploration has reviewed the current state of healthcare infrastructure, pension coverage, social security schemes and their utilization, health insurance coverage, challenges of older women and labour force participation among older adults. The findings indicate several critical gaps in the existing policy context and implementation of schemes and thereby highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions that are age-inclusive and gender sensitive. We recommend enhancing and stabilizing financial security, providing basic housing and environmental facilities, increasing the availability of health services, and expanding welfare measures for older adults. We also emphasize the significance of building institutional and human resource capabilities to meet the needs for elder care inclusive public participation. Increased sensitization about the rights of the elderly and promoting a more age-inclusive and gender-sensitive approach toward aging are recommended. We offer policy suggestions to create a supportive age-friendly living environment for India’s ageing population aimed at a more accessible and inclusive society that prioritizes the well-being of older adults.
Keywords: older adults, social security, longevity dividend, age-inclusive, gender-sensitive, public policy
Bio(s):
Mr. Manoj Sonune is currently a doctoral scholar at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India. Born in Buldhana district Maharashtra (India). I graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences from SP College Pune and a Master of Population Studies from the International Institute for Population Science Mumbai (India). Following his active service in the social services organization related to old age care and women’s empowerment. I also have some years of experience as a research assistant. He was an NSR Ramaswamy fellow at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore in the Public Policy area. My research interest area is Gerontology and Health Policy. For my doctoral thesis, I am working on “Ageing in Place,” a study of older adults in India.
