UN World Social Report 2023 - DTE - 16/01/23

Context:
According to the United Nations (UN) World Social Report 2023: Leaving no one behind in an ageing world, the number of persons aged 65 years or older worldwide is expected to double over the next three decades.
Relevance:
GS2
About:
->Key Highlights of the Report:
-The elderly population will reach 1.6 billion in 2050, accounting for more than 16% of the global population. North Africa, West Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are expected to experience the fastest growth in the number of older people over the next three decades.

->Status in India:
-According to the National Commission on Population, the share of the elderly in India’s population, close to 9% in 2011, is growing fast and may reach 18% by 2036.
-Life expectancy in India has more than doubled since Independence from around 32 years in the late 1940s to 70 years or so today.

->Problems Associated with the Ageing Population:
a. Healthcare Costs: As people age, they are more likely to experience chronic physical health conditions and require more healthcare services.
b. Social Security Imbalance: Ageing populations can put a strain on social security systems, as a smaller proportion of the population is working and contributing to the system, while a larger proportion is retired and drawing benefits.
c. Mental Health Issues: According to a recent survey, 30% to 50% of elderly people had symptoms that make them depressed due to feelings of powerlessness, loneliness.

->Current Schemes Related to Old Age Population:
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)
Integrated Program for Older Persons (IPOP)
SAMPANN Project
SACRED Portal for Elderly
Elder Line: Toll-Free Number for Elderly

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