Symbolic photo
– Photo: ANI
Expansion
In India, the population of elderly people aged 60 years and above will double to 34.60 crores by 2050. This will increase the challenges manifold especially for those elderly women who will be left alone or who are likely to fall prey to poverty. In view of this, there is a need to invest more in health care, housing and pension. This is the statement of Andrea Wojnar, head of UNFPA-India, the Indian unit of the United Nations Population Fund.
A few days after World Population Day (July 11), Wojnar outlined the key population trends that India is prioritizing to accelerate sustainable development. These include young population, ageing population, urbanization, migration and climate change. Each of these poses some major challenges and also has the potential to be turned into opportunities.
Urban population will increase to 50%, need to improve infrastructure
India is projected to have 50 per cent urban population by 2050, so building smart cities, robust infrastructure and affordable housing will be important to tackle slum growth, air pollution and environmental problems, Wojnar said. Urban plans will also need to take into account women’s safety needs, access to health care and education and jobs to promote gender equality.