Elderly Care
Growing older should come with care, dignity and support.
India is ageing, and the number of older people in the country is growing rapidly. According to Government of India projections, the population aged 60 years and above is expected to increase from around 10 crore in 2011 to 23 crore by 2036. By then, older people are expected to make up nearly 15% of India's total population.
The UNFPA India Ageing Report 2023 estimates that around 147 million people in India were aged 60 and above in 2022. By 2050, this number is expected to reach around 347 million, or more than 20% of the country's population.
THE CHALLENGE
Behind these numbers are people whose needs often become more difficult with age.
For many elderly people, especially those from economically vulnerable communities, growing older can mean living with financial insecurity, inadequate nutrition, health problems, loneliness and increasing dependence on others. More than 40% of India's elderly population belongs to the poorest wealth quintile, while around 18.7% have no income of their own.
Healthcare is another major concern. Older people are more likely to need regular medical attention and support for age-related health conditions. According to the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), around one in four people aged 60 and above has at least one limitation in activities of daily living.
The situation can be particularly difficult for older women. Women generally live longer than men and are more likely to experience widowhood, live alone and have limited financial resources in their later years.
HOW NCF SUPPORTS THE ELDERLY
At Nand Care Foundation, we work with elderly people from vulnerable communities and focus on some of the basic needs that become increasingly important with age.
NUTRITION
Nutrition is an important part of our elderly care programme. We provide around 2,000 cooked meals every day, but our focus is not simply on providing food. We make an effort to ensure that the food we provide is nutritious, wholesome and suited to the nutritional needs of older people.
For elderly people who may not have regular access to adequate food, a nutritious meal can make an important difference to their overall wellbeing. Our support therefore focuses on both regular meals and better nutrition, rather than simply filling a plate.
HEALTHCARE AND MEDICAL SUPPORT
Health concerns often increase with age, making regular medical attention especially important.
NCF organises health camps specifically for elderly people, keeping their age and common health needs in mind. These camps provide basic health check-ups, medical guidance and support, while also helping identify health concerns that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Where possible, we also try to provide individualised support based on the needs of the elderly people we work with.
CARE BEYOND FOOD AND HEALTHCARE
Our work with the elderly is not limited to meals and medical camps. Our teams stay connected with the communities we serve, understand their everyday concerns and provide assistance wherever possible.
We believe that elderly care also means listening, spending time with people and making them feel valued. For someone who may be living alone or has limited support, simply knowing that someone is there can make a meaningful difference.
AGEING WITH DIGNITY
As India's elderly population continues to grow, the need for community-based support will only become greater. NCF is committed to doing its part by supporting older people with nutritious food, healthcare, regular assistance and dignity.
Because everyone deserves to age with dignity, good nutrition and the assurance that someone cares.
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