India is on the brink of a significant demographic shift, with its elderly population projected to rise from 104 million to 319 million by 2050. Recognising the urgent need to address healthcare challenges for the elderly, the ASSOCHAM Foundation for Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) organised a panel discussion titled "Empowering Elders: A Path to Healthy and Graceful Ageing" at the India International Centre.
The session, supported by hygiene brand Savlon, featured distinguished panellists, including (Padma Shri) Prof. (Dr.) Subhash C. Manchanda, Cardiologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital; Prof. Vinod Kumar, Senior Consultant in Medicine & Former Head of Geriatric Clinic, AIIMS; and Dr. Meenal Thakral, Specialist in Geriatric Medicine, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Rajesh Kesari, Member of the ASSOCHAM National Council on CSR and Founder & Director of Total Care Control, Delhi-NCR.
Anil Rajput, Chairperson of the ASSOCHAM National Council on CSR, highlighted the scale of the challenge. “Globally, ageing is one of the 21st century's most significant social challenges. In India, with a three-fold increase in the elderly population expected in the next two and a half decades, geriatric care remains underdeveloped and largely confined to urban areas. Addressing these challenges requires active and sustained collaboration among the corporate sector, civil society, and the government,” he said.
Dr. Meenal Thakral emphasised the importance of fostering physical, mental, and social well-being to ensure healthy ageing. She noted that common geriatric syndromes, such as frailty, incontinence, and cognitive decline, require early detection and a comprehensive approach to care to preserve independence and quality of life.
Prof. Vinod Kumar outlined strategies for graceful ageing, stating, “A balanced diet, regular physical exercise, sound sleep, and mental, social, and spiritual engagement are essential for a fulfilling old age. With these practices, graceful and healthy ageing can become a reality.”
Highlighting the benefits of traditional practices, Prof. (Dr.) Subhash C. Manchanda remarked, “Yoga, which originated in India, can significantly benefit the elderly by preventing common ailments like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It also improves mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Scientific studies suggest yoga may have anti-ageing properties and can delay brain degeneration.”
Dr. Rajesh Kesari addressed the broader societal implications of ageing, noting, “Ageing is merely a number; the challenges begin earlier in life, with conditions such as hypertension and diabetes affecting younger populations. Early intervention and preventive measures are crucial to ensure a healthier elderly population in the future.”
The event underscored the need for a unified approach, involving supportive policies, inter-generational bonding, and holistic healthcare strategies, to ensure that India’s elderly population can age gracefully and healthily in the coming decades.
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