Elderly Care in the 21st Century : A Critical Review of its Importance, Challenges and Recommendations in India and Globally.

The aging population is a global phenomenon, and India is no exception. With over 138 million elderly persons (aged 60 years and above) accounting for about 10% of the total population, India faces significant challenges in providing adequate elderly care. This review paper aims to highlight the importance of elderly care, the challenges faced in providing elderly care in India, and compare the elderly care system in India with other countries. The paper also provides recommendations for improving elderly care in India. The findings suggest that the challenges of elderly care in India are influenced by socio-cultural changes, economic dependency, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and lack of specialized geriatric services. Although the government has implemented several schemes and programs for the welfare of the elderly population, there is still a significant gap in the availability and accessibility of comprehensive elderly care services in India. Compared to developed countries and some Asian countries like Japan, India lags behind in the provision of comprehensive elderly care services. To address these challenges, it is recommended to strengthen community-based services, improve access to healthcare services, and enhance the financial security of the elderly. Implementing these recommendations effectively will contribute to improving the quality of life of the elderly in India.