Staying Curious, Staying Capable: Rethinking Healthy and Productive Ageing in India
(Based on article in Hindu 9th August 2026)
9 August 2026
Staying Curious, Staying Capable: Rethinking Healthy and Productive Ageing in India
(Based on article in Hindu 9th August 2026)
Background and demographic transition
- India is entering a major demographic transition in which longer life expectancy and declining fertility are steadily increasing the share of older persons. The Government’s Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) notes that the 60+ population rose from 1.98 crore in 1951 to 10.38 crore in 2011, with projections of 17.3 crore by 2026.
- The UNFPA India Ageing Report 2023 projects that persons aged 60+ could constitute over 20% of India’s population by 2050, and that by around 2046 the elderly population may exceed the population of children aged 0–15.
- Historically, India's joint-family structure provided much of the support required in old age. Urbanisation, migration, smaller families and changing employment patterns are weakening some traditional support arrangements, increasing the importance of formal social-security and care systems.
Why curiosity and lifelong learning matter
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Explore India's demographic shift and how lifelong learning, curiosity, and productive ageing enhance vitality, independence, and cognitive health for seniors.
Keywords
healthy ageingdemographic transitionlifelong learningcognitive reserveAtal Vayo Abhyuday Yojanaelderly populationsilver economygeriatric services