The need for age-inclusive and gender-sensitive social policies for India’s longevity society

The demographic transition is leading to the rapid ageing of India’s population and significant changes in the social structures, thereby posing socioeconomic and policy challenges for older care. Drawing on data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) and other sources, this study reviews the current social and health policies for older adults. The exploration has reviewed the current state of healthcare infrastructure, pension coverage, social security schemes and their utilization, health insurance coverage, challenges of older women and labour force participation among older adults. The findings indicate several critical gaps in the existing policy context and implementation of schemes and thereby highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions that are age-inclusive and gender sensitive. We recommend enhancing and stabilizing financial security, providing basic housing and environmental facilities, increasing the availability of health services, and expanding welfare measures for older adults. We also emphasize the significance of building institutional and human resource capabilities to meet the needs for elder care-inclusive public participation. Increased sensitization about the rights of the elderly and promoting a more age-inclusive and gender-sensitive approach toward aging are recommended. We offer policy suggestions to create a supportive age-friendly living environment for India's ageing population aimed at a more accessible and inclusive society that prioritizes the well-being of older adults.