India's Demographic Crossroads: Bridging the Generational Gap in an Ageing Society
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian and World Geography (Demographics of India - Aging Population, Demographic Dividend); Social Development.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Society): Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India; Population and associated issues; Role of women and women's organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
General Studies Paper 2 (Social Justice): Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections (Elderly).
Key Highlights from the News
Detailed Explanation: Key Concepts
Ageing Population in India:
Demographic Transition: This phenomenon describes the increase in the proportion of elderly people in a country's population due to increased life expectancy and decreased birth rates.
Challenges: Pensions, healthcare costs for age-related illnesses, social isolation.
Key Government Schemes: National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP), Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY), Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
The 'Generation Gap' in the Indian Context:
Traditional View: The joint family system in India and cultural values respecting elders helped reduce this gap.
Modern Reality: Urbanization, migration, nuclear families, and the digital revolution all put pressure on this traditional structure, leading to an "emotional disconnect."
Digital Divide:
This is not just a gap in the availability of devices, but also a lack of patience and support in teaching how to use them.
Atomisation of Society:
This is the tendency for society to become a collection of individuals with selfish interests, loosely connected. The article states that strong intergenerational family ties act as a defense against this.
Ageism:
A form of discrimination or prejudice against an individual or group based on their age.
COMMENTS