India's growing elderly population is faced with a multitude of challenges necessitating development of a comprehensive policy framework to manage this demographic transition. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)

Elders by: constitute 9% of population divided by 20%, 20% of population as per UNDP

Multitude of challenges:

1. Limited access to geriatric care

2. Ruralisation of elderly – 70% in rural area

3. Feminisation of elderly – 55% are women of which 54% are widows (NFHS-5)

Formulating a comprehensive policy framework:

1. Social protection and security e.g. welfare of senior citizens act

2. Access to geriatric care

3. In-situ ageing life @ cachet, community home

4. Economic empowerment e.g. support under Peevam Psumaan

5. Fuelling the silver economy – assistive technologies for elderly

"Active Ageing" and "elderly dividend" must be promoted so that the demography doesn't hinder a nation's growth.