Part B (Q5): Explain Demography of the Ageing in India.

The Demography of Ageing refers to the statistical study of the size, composition, and distribution of the older population within a society. In India, the demography highlights a profound and rapid shift:

• Rapid Growth (The "Greying" of India): India is experiencing an unprecedented demographic transition. Due to increased life expectancy (better medical care) and declining birth rates, the number of people over 60 is growing faster than the general population. From around 100 million in 2011, it is projected to cross 300 million by 2050.
• Feminization of Ageing: Because women biologically outlive men on average, the older population in India has a significantly higher proportion of women. This is a critical issue because these older women are often widows, lack property rights, have no formal pensions, and are highly vulnerable economically and socially.
• Rural Concentration: A vast majority (over 70%) of India's elderly live in rural areas. This presents a massive challenge because rural areas have the weakest healthcare infrastructure and formal social security networks, while the younger generation is migrating to urban centers, leaving the elderly behind.
• Dependency Ratio: The demography indicates an increasing "old-age dependency ratio"—meaning fewer working-age people are available to financially and physically support a growing number of retirees.