Since 1961, the elderly population in India has been steadily increasing, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. According to the NSO (2021), Elderly in India, National Statistical Office, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, there are currently around 138 million elderly individuals in the country, consisting of 67 million males and 71 million females. The report also projects that by 2031, the number of elderly females will surpass that of males. there are nearly 138 million elderly persons in India in 2021 comprising of 67 million males and 71million females. it is projected that the number of elderly females will exceed the number of males in 2031.
According to state-wise data, Kerala currently has the highest proportion of elderly people in its population among the 21 major states. Additionally, projections for the year 2031 also indicate that Kerala will have the highest proportion of elderly people in its population among the same group of states.
As the number of older adults continues to increase, combined with wide economic disparities, there is a potential for greater demands on healthcare, in-home caregiving, and assisted living facilities across the country. This aging population will require more extensive healthcare services, long-term care, and social services to adequately support them as they age.