Uttar Pradesh's Demographic Shift: Elderly Population Set to Surge by 2036
New projections from the National Commission on Population and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reveal a significant demographic transformation underway in Uttar Pradesh. By 2036, approximately one in every eight residents of India's most populous state will fall into the geriatric age group category. This represents a substantial increase from the current proportion of about 8% to an expected 12% within the next decade and a half.
Academic Programme Highlights Urgent Geriatric Care Needs
The implications of this rapid aging came into sharp focus during a comprehensive day-long academic programme on geriatric care recently held at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow. Organised by the General Hospital and the Department of Hospital Administration under the auspices of the Geriatrics Society of India (Uttar Pradesh Chapter), the event brought together leading medical experts to address the multifaceted challenges posed by an expanding elderly population.
Building Medically Efficient and Humane Systems
SGPGIMS Director RK Dhiman emphasised the critical need to develop healthcare systems that are not only medically efficient but also humane and responsive to the complex, evolving needs of senior citizens. The demographic shift from a predominantly young population to a steadily aging one requires fundamental changes in healthcare delivery, social security frameworks, and life-cycle support mechanisms.
Expert Insights on Preventive Care and Infrastructure
Professor A K Singh delivered a presentation on fall prevention among the elderly, highlighting that simple preventive strategies can significantly reduce morbidity, disability, and hospitalisation rates. Dean Professor Shaleen Kumar and CMS Professor Devendra Gupta reiterated the institute's strong commitment to developing geriatric-friendly infrastructure that accommodates the unique requirements of older patients.
Professor Kausar Usman from King George's Medical University (KGMU) provided crucial perspective on the holistic nature of elderly care. While acknowledging the importance of cognitive screening, vaccinations, and assistive devices, Professor Usman stressed that empathy, dignity, ethical decision-making, and patient-centred communication remain absolutely central to delivering quality care for the aging population.
Broader Implications for Healthcare and Social Policy
The projections underscore the rapidly rising healthcare, social security, and life-cycle needs that Uttar Pradesh must address as its population ages. This demographic trend presents both challenges and opportunities for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities across the state. The discussions at SGPGIMS highlighted the urgent need for integrated approaches that combine medical innovation with compassionate, dignity-preserving care practices.
