Q. The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them ?

Model Answer: 

India’s life expectancy reaching ~70 years is a developmental success but creates complex epidemiological and socio-economic challenges for an expanding ageing population (LASI Report).

Emerging Health Challenges

• Chronic Multimorbidity: Surge in age-related Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) requiring lifelong management (diabetes, cardiovascular issues).
• Cognitive Decline & Mental Health: Rising cases of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and depression worsened by social isolation (nuclear family trend).
• Infrastructure Deficits: Acute shortage of specialized geriatric wards and trained medical professionals, especially in rural areas.
• Financial Burden: High out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure due to prolonged illnesses and inadequate insurance coverage for the elderly.

Steps Needed to Address Them

• Specialized Geriatric Care: Expand the National Programme for the Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) down to PHC levels.
• Financial Security: Universalize health coverage (e.g., Ayushman Bharat extension to >70 years) and enhance old-age pensions.
• Community & Home-Based Care: Train ASHA workers in palliative care and scale up elderly-accessible telemedicine (eSanjeevani).
• Social & Mental Support: Enforce the Maintenance of Parents Act (2007) strictly and integrate geriatric counseling via Tele-MANAS.

Securing healthy ageing requires a life-cycle approach blending robust medical infrastructure, financial security, and social empathy, effectively fulfilling Article 41 mandates.