According to the UNFPA's 'India Ageing Report 2023,' what percentage of India's total population is projected to be aged 60 years and above by the year 2036?

Solution

India, known for its vibrant young population, is poised for a significant demographic shift in the coming decades. The UNFPA’s ‘India Ageing Report 2023’ suggests that by 2036, the elderly population – those aged 60 years and above – is projected to constitute 15% of the country’s total population, a significant rise from the current share of 10.1% in 2021. The increase in the elderly population will not stop in 2036 but continue to escalate, with estimations suggesting that by 2050, 20.8% of India’s citizenry will be from this age group. Such a shift in population dynamics underscores the looming challenges for India’s socio-economic landscape. By the end of the century, the elderly will constitute over 36 per cent of the total population of the country. The report also lays emphasis on the distinct differences in the elderly population across various states, stemming from the diverse stages and pace of demographic transition. States in the southern region and select northern states such as Himachal Pradesh and Punjab are already grappling with a higher share of the elderly population than the national average. About UNFPA The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization whose stated purposes are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and serve as a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations. Founded: 24 October 1945   Headquarters: New York, United States   Secretary general: António Guterres