Author(s): Veereshkumar B Vijapur

Abstract:
India, one of the world’s two population superpowers, is undergoing unprecedented demographic changes. Increasing longevity and falling fertility have resulted in a dramatic increase in the population of adults aged 60 and up, in both absolute and relative terms. This change presents wide-ranging and complex health, social, and economic challenges, both current and future, to which this diverse and heterogeneous country must rapidly adapt. This chapter first lays out the context, scope, and magnitude of India’s demographic changes. The study is based on Secondary data. This paper focused on the Percentage of Workforce participation by age, gender, and place of residence in Rural male was highest above 15 to 59 age compared to the female age was continuously decreasing in Rural area. Rates of workforce participation among older adults were markedly higher in rural (47%) than in urban areas (29%); were much higher for males than for females (as is the case at all ages-see); and varied significantly across states, from 26.8% to to 53.5%. As many Indian individuals experience longer lifespan and better health, an increasing number may choose to continue to work, full time or part time, beyond traditional retirement ages for reasons of enjoyment and intellectual stimulation, or to share their knowledge and experience with younger workers. This Paper also presents an overview of India’s recent and ongoing initiatives to adapt to population aging and provide support to older adults and their families. It concludes with policy recommendations that may serve as a productive next step forward, keeping in mind the need for urgent and timely action on the part of government, private companies, researchers, and general population.

Pages: 01-03  |  1404 Views  197 Downloads