The State of Geriatric Care, Challenges and Solutions in India

Geriatric care in India represents a growing public health challenge as the elderly population expands rapidly, projected to reach 400 million by 2050. This study explores the state of geriatric services, analyzing global, national, and local perspectives to highlight gaps in infrastructure, trained workforce, and policy implementation. Using a cross-sectional qualitative design with 40 telephonic interviews across children, elderly individuals, nursing professionals, and service providers, the research identifies common themes of concern: inadequate training, financial limitations, caregiver fatigue, and trust in professional care. Findings reveal that young adults prefer flexible, part-time arrangements due to economic constraints, while elderly participants require medical, emotional, and mobility support. Nursing professionals and caregiving agencies reported high attrition, lack of skills, and low financial incentives as key barriers. The study emphasizes the need for integrated solutions combining family support, professional caregiving, and digital innovations such as telemedicine and remote monitoring. Policy interventions like the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) are acknowledged but remain under-implemented due to insufficient funding and reliance on family-based models. Recommendations include flexible caregiving models, tiered pricing, structured training programs, competitive wages, and intersectoral collaboration. Strengthening these areas can foster sustainable, affordable, and high-quality eldercare systems, reducing caregiver burden and improving the dignity and quality of life for India’s aging population.