India, now the world’s most populous nation and the fourth-largest economy, has a remarkably young population, 60% are under 35. Life expectancy has surged from 32 years in 1947 to 70.8 in 2025, reflecting economic growth and evolving health care.

But, demographic tides are shifting. Fertility rates have dipped below the replacement level of 2.1, driven by rising education, urban lifestyles, and cost of living. Seniors (60 ) will grow from 7–10% today to nearly 20–25% by 2050. Youth will decline to around 35–40%, and the median age will rise sharply. India has some catching up to do.

This transition must be seen through the lens of the Viksit Bharat mission. Its four pillars: yuva (youth), gareeb (the poor), mahilayen (women), and annadata (farmers/rural India), intersect directly with ageing. Indians are also predisposed to chronic lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular ailments, and dementia, all of which drive up health care costs.

From welfare to wellbeing: Article 41 of the Constitution directs the State to provide assistance to senior citizens — a critical mandate for rural India, where 60% of the population lives and most seniors rely on family support. Migration, urbanisation, and the decline of joint families are straining this safety net.

Over the........

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