There are more old people now than ever before. Quickly burgeoning to a fourth of the population, India is aging fast. By the turn of this decade, we will likely no longer be the youngest nation in the world. Of the old persons, there are those that may be categorised as the oldest of old, much in the same way as poorest of poor. As per the newly released National Sample Survey Report No. 574, this segment is the most vulnerable to a plethora of diseases, dementia, terminal illnesses and disabilities. The marked rise of illnesses in the population above 70 is of increasing concern for a health care starved nation such as India. No facility, from infrastructure to social policies is senior-citizen friendly, highlighting the callous attitude of the nation-builders. With the rising number of old age persons, it is important that India makes a concertive effort to address health care at the outset, followed by re-employment/engagement possibilities of old age persons. This issue covers a great many issues, ranging from climate change to livelihoods. An article by Dr Akhilesh, Head, Climate Change Programme, DST is a must read. Also a section has been dedicated to health issues that plague the nation.
Happy reading.