What are the key issues faced by elderly individuals in India

According to a UNFPA report, the elderly population is projected to constitute 20% of India's total population by 2050. Identify and discuss the major challenges faced by the elderly in the country.
The major challenges faced by the elderly in India include:
  • Lack of healthcare access: Many elderly individuals in India face difficulty in accessing quality healthcare due to limited resources and inadequate infrastructure.
  • Financial insecurity: A significant number of elderly people in India live in poverty, lacking financial stability and support.
  • Isolation and loneliness: Elderly individuals often face social isolation and loneliness as their family structures change due to migration or modern lifestyles.
  • Lack of social security: A large percentage of the elderly population in India does not have access to social security schemes, leaving them vulnerable to economic hardships.
  • Elder abuse and neglect: Cases of elder abuse, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse, are reported in India, posing a serious problem.
  • Age-related health issues: Elderly individuals often face age-related health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health problems, which can affect their quality of life.
  • Lack of opportunities for productive engagement: Many elderly individuals are denied opportunities for productive engagement due to stereotypes and age discrimination, limiting their contribution to society.
Efforts are being made to address these issues through various government and non-governmental initiatives.
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