BS EDIT: India’s Ageing Challenge

By Business StandardPublished On Jul 9, 2026

Kerala leads the shift

Kerala is creating a Senior Citizens Welfare Department and an Elderly Budget to address the economic impact of a rapidly ageing population

Ageing is spreading

The share of elderly citizens is rising across India. Several states will enter the ageing category by 2036

Economic pressures rise

An ageing population can increase healthcare and pension costs while slowing workforce growth and affecting public finances

Ageing can be an opportunity

Longer lives can support new sectors such as healthcare, assisted living, insurance, and age-friendly technologies

The workforce challenge

India must focus on skills, health, reskilling, and greater workforce participation to maximise its demographic advantage

Prepare before it’s late

Kerala’s experience shows that India must plan early to avoid becoming an ageing economy before achieving higher prosperity