India’s growing ageing crisis in 10 charts: Why elderly women are more vulnerable than older men | Data Premium

India will soon approach a critical juncture where the proportion of elderly will peak, placing an overwhelming strain on the working populace. Women, who generally outlive men, are at the centre of this crisis.

As life expectancy rises and birth rates decline, a nation begins to see a larger proportion of its population ageing. India will soon approach a critical juncture where the proportion of elderly will peak, placing an overwhelming strain on the working populace. Women, who generally outlive men, are at the centre of this crisis. As a high share of them are out of the labour force, they lack savings. They are more prone to health issues compared to men and often find basic tasks more challenging during their sunset years. They are also less aware about government schemes than men.

The number of senior citizens (aged 60+) in India has markedly increased since 2010, while there has been a drop in the population aged under 15. By the year 2100, seniors are projected to constitute 36% of India’s total population.

Chart appears incomplete? Click to remove AMP mode

The graph displays the old-age dependency ratio, which represents the number of individuals aged 60 and above for every 100 people in the 15 - 59 age bracket. A heightened ratio indicates a significant demand for care within families.

The graph presents the ageing index, which signifies the number of seniors (60 years and above) for every 100 children (under 15 years of age). A rise in the ageing index points to reduced fertility rates.

The chart shows the number of old women per 1,000 old men in 2021 and 2011. Elderly women outnumber senior men in most regions.

Click to subscribe to our Data newsletter