Oil and gas prices rose sharply and stock markets slid back on Thursday after Iranian strikes hit energy infrastructure in the Middle East, including Qatar's main gas facility. Brent crude was trading at just over $108 a barrel on Thursday evening, having risen as high as $119 earlier in the day
‘Gudi Padwa puja rituals in Karachi’: Family celebrates Marathi New Year in Pakistan. WatchThe content creator shared a video showcasing how he and his family celebrated Gudi Padwa in Karachi, Pakistan. Published on: Mar 20, 2026 7:52 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link As the Marathi
Bharti Singh finally reveals face of her second son Yashveer; fans call him Haarsh Limbachiyaa's ‘carbon copy’. WatchFans expressed their affection for Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa's baby Yashveer, aka Kaju, comparing his looks to both parents. Mar 20, 2026
India is ageing fast. The population aged 60 and above in the country is projected to more than double from 100 million in 2011 to 230 million in 2036. By last year, the elderly made up 11% of the country’s population; with improvements in life expectancy and falling fertility
For frequent flyers, damaged luggage is not uncommon. Broken wheels, cracked shells, missing locks, or items mysteriously gone, well that’s as regular a trip for many as it comes. While airlines often attribute such issues to “handling errors" or “transit damage
India’s population is growing older but with little support
India is ageing fast. The population aged 60 and above in the country is projected to more than double from 100 million in 2011 to 230 million in 2036. By last year, the elderly made up 11% of the country’s population; with improvements in life expectancy and falling fertility, there will be more elderly than children in India by 2050, as we reported in March 2024.
Is India prepared to cater to the needs of her growing elderly population? Not quite, experts say.
In this first of a two-part series, we examine how fast India is ageing and whether the country is prepared. We look at gaps in infrastructure – from old age homes to home-care services – and the lack of regulation and accountability in an unorganised but rapidly growing sector.
A 2024 NITI Aayog report said that the senior care system faces many challenges “due to the lack of a comprehensive, integrated policy for care and support”. There are infrastructure- and capacity-gaps “for supporting the health and welfare of the elderly, evidence-based knowledge repositories for geriatric illness management, enabling frameworks and monitoring mechanisms, and emergency response systems”, it said.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the nodal ministry that looks after the welfare of the elderly population in the country, spearheads several schemes and programmes aimed at addressing the different challenges faced by the elderly. Some key initiatives include the Atal Pension Yojana, Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (which provides assisted living devices), and schemes that address their livelihood needs.
And in her budget announcement this year, India’s finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressedgeriatric care whilst talking about reforms in the health sector, adding that in the coming year, 150,000 multi-skilled caregivers will be trained.
On ground, however, elderly care specialist Pankaj Mehrotra feels that the welfare needs of the elderly have hardly been met in the country, “apart from three-four states, like Kerala”. “Housing and welfare are state subjects, so the nodal ministry can recommend a lot of things but it is on the state to take it further,” Mehrotra said.
We have a long way to go, said Gitali Thakur, social entrepreneur and CEO of AgeWell Care, which provides home-based care for the elderly.
There are 696 senior-citizen homes across the country supported by the government; an additional 84 have been selected to be supported for the financial year 2025-’26. The government does not keep information on private senior citizen facilities or old age homes. This, said Mehrotra, is a big gap.
A study by Tata Trusts, Samarth and United Nations Population Fund said that not only do senior living facilities run by private organisations “address the needs of a fraction”, “there is no way of evaluating the quality and appropriateness of the services”. It leaves the elderly residents of these homes vulnerable, and offers no incentives to the facility owners and managers to improve, it goes on to add.
“Many old age homes are unregistered and unregulated,” Mehrotra added, “The government has a framework for senior care homes but these are just guidelines and states have to develop their own Standard Operating Procedure, which not every state has done. The central framework itself is not at par with other developed countries.”
The Tata Trusts study also added that the number of old age homes in India is grossly inadequate. It looked at a sample set of more than 480 old age homes and more than 60 senior living facilities in 84 locations.
“[The study] projected the sample set to countrywide population data extracted from 2011 census of India, and arrived at an estimate of around 1,150 facilities and the capacity to house around 97,000 elderly residents,” it said. Forecasting likely demand driven by increasing elderly population, the study said that there is a “crying need to enhance the capacity almost eight to ten-fold over the next decade”.
But it’s not just living facilities that there is a gap in. Home-care services – in which chronically ill patients or those recovering, are provided care at their home – is also much in demand, as we will see in the second part of this series.
Sixty-five-year-old Elina Ghosh, lives alone in Delhi. Her husband died three years ago and her daughter works and lives in a different country. “I have been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,” Ghosh, who retired as a school teacher, said. “Shraboni, my daughter, has therefore been very worried about me living alone. After a lot of deliberations, we decided to hire a home-based caregiver.”
While their journey has only begun, Ghosh worries about the quality of services once her disease progresses. Her aunt in Jabalpur, paralysed after a recent stroke, has struggled to find trained, reliable caregivers.
Kolkata-based geriatric specialist Antarikhya Bordoloi agreed with Ghosh’s observation. “There are now a number of private organisations offering home-based care services for the elderly, but most of them are either not well trained or well managed,” she said.
The biggest problem here, she pointed out, was accountability. “Southern India is a little ahead in geriatric healthcare as compared to other parts of India. Most of the time, the primary objective of these caregiver service providers is to earn money on a long term basis from families who are dependent on caretakers because they live in a different state or country,” she said.
Thakur, whose organisation trains caregivers and provides services, added that while there are now professional courses available, there is no standardisation. “This is an unregulated, unorganised sector,” she said. It is a sector that is, however, growing fast.
As India’s elderly population grows with increasing life expectancy – currently 72 – so are opportunities to invest in the sector. According to the government, India’s silver economy, driven by goods and services aimed at the elderly, is valued at approximately Rs 73,000 crore as of 2024, withprojections indicating manifold growth over the years.
“The elderly care sector is metro-centric and accessible to few,” Thakur said, “Seventy percent of the elderly population live in rural areas. To address this, I feel we need more community-level initiatives.”
An example is the community-based palliative care model in Kerala. In this, local volunteers – shopkeepers, teachers, students – are trained to provide not just basic medical support, but also companionship and emotional support to those with serious illnesses.
But scaling such models has proven difficult. Kerala’s network developed over decades, supported by high literacy rates, strong local governance, and civil society engagement – conditions not easily replicated in other states
“Ageing is not yet recognised as an issue that needs to be worked on – neither at the policy level, nor at the political level – which is why the healthcare system does not focus much on elderly care,” Thakur says. “Private sector initiatives are few and expensive and therefore not accessible to all.”
IndiaSpend reached out to the social justice and empowerment ministry for comment. We will update this story when we receive a response.
This is the first of a two-part series. In the second part, we will examine how limited home-based palliative care pushes families toward hospitals.
Azera Parveen Rahman is an independent writer currently based out of Bhuj in Gujarat. She writes mainly on development, environment, art and culture, and has been in this field for more than 15 years.
This article first appeared on IndiaSpend, a data-driven and public-interest journalism non-profit.
Source: Scroll
Related Posts: Olympic gold-medalist Rowdy Gaines has tips for older swimmers Still using an older laptop Mumbai’s Gaondevi Mandir Sits On A Rock Older Than Dinosaur— Only Two Like This Exist On Earth Frailty, depression in older adults may together account for 17 % of dementia risk Fortis orthopaedic surgeon shares how older adults can protect their shoulders Which Carbohydrate Source Is Better For Older Adults Did You Know Your Older iPhone Beat iPhone 17 Pro Models In This Feature Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli still using older iPhones, questioning iPhone 17 hype 2026 Tata Punch Facelift Vs Older Tata Punch Well-rounded diet for older adults
India's auto boom at risk as Iran war chokes gas supply at car plantsMaruti Suzuki to Tata Motors and Mahindra, as well as their parts suppliers, are staring at a production loss as govt diverts gas supply to households. Updated on: Mar 19, 2026 11:23 PM IST Reuters Share via Copy link India's
Just now
The Donald Trump administration is not considering any restrictions on oil exports, a US official said on Thursday, even as Washington grapples with rising energy costs triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. “Oil and gas export restrictions are not under consideration
Just now
In February, a video of a mother shouting at security guards at a park in Delhi went viral on social media. The mother, Mona Mishra, got into an argument with the guards after they allegedly stopped her five-year-old daughter from playing on a swing at the city’s Sunder Nursery. In the video
Just now
The historic heart of South Korea's capital is bracing itself for what may well be the year's biggest event: the return of the world's most successful band in recent years, BTS. Some 260,000 people are expected to turn up on Saturday at Gwanghwamun Square, where the seven K-pop stars - RM, Jin
Just now
FIFA mandates new rules to tackle gender bias in leadership roles: ‘There are simply not enough women in coaching today’ Published on: Mar 20, 2026 7:34 AM IST Written by Probuddha Bhattacharjee Share via Copy link FIFA President Gianni Infantino (AFP) Key Takeaways Summary is AI-generated FIFA
Just now
Nottingham Forest have not had an abundance of reasons to celebrate with their fans this season. Separated from the Premier League's relegation zone only on goal difference and on their fourth manager of the season, things have been fairly bleak at the City Ground
Just now
Nothing Phone (4a) Pro reflects maturity with design, performance and experienceFoundations for Nothing’s newest phone include a sharper design, consistent performance and usability elements that seem to be growing into its ambition Published on: Mar 19
Just now
Just under 100 ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since the start of March, according to data analysed by BBC Verify, despite periodic attacks on shipping in the area by Iranian forces. While some energy and everyday goods are still moving through one of the world's busiest shipping
Just now
The United States and Japan announced Thursday a $40 billion project to build nuclear reactors in Tennessee and Alabama, after a meeting of the two countries' leaders in Washington. The countries announced the first tranche of projects under the new investment fund in February
Just now
The Delhi High Court has given former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and others a week to respond to the Enforcement Directorate's plea. The ED wants the court to remove critical remarks made by a special CBI court. These remarks were made while discharging 23 individuals in the Delhi
Just now
Aston Villa were urged not to become a "maybe" team. Yet maybe this is their year. When Emi Martinez charged up the pitch to celebrate after his quick thinking set up John McGinn's opener there was no doubt their Europa League dream would continue.Aston Villa were urged not to become a "maybe" team
Just now
Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge finally hit theatres on March 19. But some paid previews of the film were also held in certain theatres across the country. While it was meant to be an exclusive preview of Aditya Dhar’s directorial, it turned into a night of confusion
Just now
Saumya Tandon, who plays Rehman Dakait’s wife in Dhurandhar, has shared some inside pictures from the film’s success bash, which was held in Mumbai on Thursday night. In one of the pictures, the actress is all smiles as Ranveer Singh takes a selfie with her. In another
Just now
Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like Vedanta, HDFC Bank, Manappuram, Nazara Tech, UltraTech Cement, and others will be in focus on Thursday’s trade Stocks to Watch On March 19, 2026: Stocks Indian benchmark indices — the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 — are likely to open sharply lower on Thursday
Just now
In a move that sent ripples across the paddock (not the type that plagued Fernando Alonso at Shanghai), Adrian Newey is set to step down from his team principal role at Aston Martin F1 Team, just months after taking charge. The man widely regarded as Formula One’s greatest designer isn’t
Just now
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.This Samsung smart TV price drop is turning premium screens into irresistible dealsSamsung smart TVs are now available at reduced prices
Just now
The Asom Gana Parishad has announced 26 candidates for the upcoming assembly polls. Its ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party, is part of the NDA alliance. The Congress party has also released its third list, bringing their total declared candidates to 102. The state of Assam has 126 assembly seats
Just now
Viral baby monkey Punch-kun finds ‘girlfriend’ Momo-chan after being abandoned at Japan zoo | See videoBaby macaque Punch-kun goes viral again for forming bond with Momo-chan. Updated on: Mar 20, 2026 7:42 AM IST By Prakriti Deb Share via Copy link A baby macaque captured global attention for
Just now
The Uttarakhand High Court on Thursday told gym owner Deepak Kumar, who opposed the harassment of an elderly Muslim shopkeeper by alleged Bajrang Dal members, that he was attempting to sensationalise the matter by seeking police protection as part of his petition, Bar and Bench reported
Just now
The BJP’s Christian outreach, which has been a talking point in Keralam for long, is now taking clearer electoral shape. The party is banking on gains among Christian voters in the assembly elections this time as the early momentum appears to be driven by sections of the Syro-Malabar community
Just now
Jammu and Kashmir police have dismantled a sophisticated international cyber fraud network in Srinagar. Seven individuals were arrested for targeting victims in the USA, UK, and Canada. The syndicate used fake online advertisements and psychological tactics
Just now
The execution of 19-year-old Iranian wrestler Saleh Mohammadi has thrust Iran’s crackdown on dissent back into the global spotlight. According to reports from Euronews, Iranian authorities executed three men on March 19 — Mohammadi, Mehdi Ghasemi
Just now
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he held talks with Qatar PM Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and condemned the latest Iranian attack on Qatar’s energy infrastructure. In a post on X, PM Modi said: “Spoke with my brother, H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar
Just now
Tarot Horoscope Today for March 20, 2026: Emotions may feel intense; rely on intuitionThis article will dive into the daily tarot reading for each zodiac sign for March 20, 2026, with our expert's predictions. Published on: Mar 20, 2026 7:00 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link The tarot
Just now
Income Tax: While overall tax burden for individuals remains largely unchanged, the new tax law introduces structural changes in the way income is assessed and returns are filed. India’s direct tax framework is set for a major overhaul from April 1, 2026, when the new Income-tax Act, 2025
Just now
The Salt Path author Raynor Winn wrote a book published in 2012 – despite repeatedly claiming her controversial 2018 release documenting a life-changing walk was the first she had ever written. In a new BBC Sounds podcast Secrets of the Salt Path
Just now
Love and Relationship Horoscope for March 20, 2026: A random moment may spark joy in your love lifeDaily Love Horoscope for March 20, 2026 Explore relationship insights and emotional guidance for all sun signs today Published on: Mar 20, 2026 6:01 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link
Just now
![Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], March 20 (ANI): Manvir Singh’s spectacular first-half strike from his own half helped Namdhari SC secure a hard-fought 1-1](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/sreenidi-deccan-rally-to-earn-point-against-namdhari-sc.webp?width=120&height=70)
