The elderly population in the country will double by 2050, UNFPA India Chief told the whole story

New Delhi: Andrea Wojnar, head of the United Nations Population Fund’s India unit ‘UNFPA-India’, has said that India’s elderly population is likely to double by 2050. There is a need to invest more in health care, housing and pension in the country, especially for elderly women, who are more likely to be left alone and face poverty.The elderly population will double by 2050
Days after World Population Day (July 11), UNFPA-India’s Resident Representative Wojnar outlined the key population trends that India is prioritizing to accelerate sustainable development. These include young population, ageing population, urbanization, migration and climate change. All these factors present unique challenges and opportunities for the country. Wojnar said that the number of people aged 60 years and above is estimated to double to 34 crore 60 lakh by 2050, so there is a dire need to increase investment in healthcare, housing and pension schemes. he/she said that this is especially necessary for older women, who are more likely to live alone and face poverty.

25 crore for those aged 10 to 19 years
The UNFPA-India chief said India has a large youth population and there are 252 million people aged between 10 and 19 years. he/she mentioned that promoting gender equality as well as investing in health, education, job training and employment generation can capitalise on this demographic potential and lead the country towards sustainable progress. Wojnar said India is projected to have 50 per cent urban population by 2050, so building smart cities, robust infrastructure and affordable housing is important to tackle slum growth, air pollution and environmental problems.

he/she further said that urban planning should also take into account women’s safety needs, access to health care and education and jobs, to promote gender equality and improve the overall quality of life. Wojnar also said that careful planning is needed to manage internal and external migration, develop skills and distribute economic opportunities. he/she said that it is important for India to incorporate climate change adaptation into development plans and invest in renewable energy.