70 per cent of India's elderly financially dependent, mental health issues and social isolation on rise: Report
The study, "Ageing in India: Challenges and Opportunities," was released by the Sankala Foundation in partnership with NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and the National Human Rights Commission.
It draws on findings from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), offering a detailed snapshot of India's rapidly greying population. Despite improved life expectancy, the report highlights that many elderly Indians live with economic and health insecurities.
The report said that about 6.4 per cent of the elderly reduced their meal sizes, 5.6 per cent went hungry without eating, and 4.2 per cent did not eat for an entire day at least once in the past year.
Odisha (37.1 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (36.6 per cent) reported the highest prevalence of underweight elderly, while Dadra and Nagar Haveli led among Union Territories with 40.1 per cent.
Overweight and obesity were most prevalent in Punjab (28 per cent) and Chandigarh (21.5 per cent). Cardiovascular diseases affect 35.6 per cent, hypertension 32 per cent, and diabetes 13.2 per cent of those aged 60 and above.
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16 hours ago
- Scroll.in
India's dementia prevalence could double in a decade – are we ready for it?
Lakshmi (name changed), a school headmistress, was well-known for her warmth, boundless energy and legendary parties. A few years after retirement, she began to wane with mild signs of cognitive decline, which quickly deteriorated into dementia after the loss of her husband. Struggling with loneliness, the once vibrant woman was reduced to a hollow shell, losing her identity and sense of self. She could no longer remember words or names, and became occasionally aggressive. Unable to handle her behaviour changes, her relatives admitted her into an eldercare and dementia care facility, where she spent her last days in the midst of strangers. Around 8.8 million Indians over the age of 60 – that is 7.4% of India's elderly – currently live with dementia. This number is projected to rise as India ages – one in every five Indians will be a senior citizen by 2050, when the number of elderly Indians is expected to reach 340 million. It's not just a burgeoning health crisis but also a societal challenge with immense implications for families, healthcare systems and the nation's future productivity. The World Health Organization defines dementia as 'a term for several diseases that affect memory, thinking and the ability to perform daily activities'. It can be caused by conditions which over time destroy nerve cells and damage the brain. The symptoms of dementia begin with forgetting things or events from the immediate or recent past. These episodes gradually increase in frequency and may be accompanied with mood or behaviour changes, all of which affect everyday functioning. 'Changes in behaviour can be challenging and can include aggression, agitation, hallucinations, delusions, and suspiciousness,' explained Soumya Hegde, a geriatric psychiatrist based in Bengaluru. 'For example, they may have hidden their keys in a drawer or under the bed to keep it safe, and forget, so they accuse someone else of taking it.' Why prevalence is rising Based on the Longitudinal Aging Study in India conducted between 2018 and 2020, researchers from institutions in India and the United States found that dementia prevalence among women was almost double that of men, and higher in rural areas compared to the cities and towns. The study also found considerable variation across the country, with lowest prevalence in Delhi at 4.5% and highest in Jammu and Kashmir at 11.0%. Using population projections and data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India, researchers estimate that India's dementia prevalence among the elderly will double from 8.8 million in 2016 to 16.9 million in 2036. 'There has been a noticeable increase in dementia cases in India over the past five to 10 years,' Nilanjana Maulik, Secretary General of Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India Kolkata, said. 'This can be attributed to several factors such as aging population, sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, social isolation, reduced family support, and mental health issues among older adults and increased prevalence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity – key risk factors for dementia.' In 2017, the World Health Organization put out a Global Action Plan (2017 to 2025) on the Public Health response to dementia, and urged countries to come out with their own action plans. The WHO initiative outlines seven action areas: awareness and friendliness; risk reduction; diagnosis, treatment, care and support; information systems; research and innovation; support for carers; and dementia as a public health priority. Aligning with the WHO's action plan to promote research and innovation, the Indian Institute of Science's Centre for Brain Research is conducting long-term studies on brain ageing, focused on capacity-building and risk reduction efforts. The research is specifically tailored to the Indian context. This is important as most existing research in this area is from Western populations and there is a dearth of longitudinal population-based data from low- and middle-income countries, researchers say. The vast differences in lifestyle factors, diet, literacy, environmental stressors, and genetics render the findings from high-income settings ungeneralisable to low- and middle-income countries populations. The research could help generate context-specific evidence that could inform global frameworks for brain health that are more diverse, equitable, and inclusive of low- and middle-income countries. For example, the researchers explained that exploring how factors such as undernutrition, cardiovascular risks, multilingualism, and intergenerational living (which are far more prevalent in India than in many Western countries) impact cognitive processes can significantly strengthen the understanding of dementia risk across different populations. Additionally, biomarker profiling and genomic characterisation from underrepresented populations would help build globally relevant risk prediction models, diagnostic tools, prevention approaches, and precision medicine. The team is running two parallel urban and rural community-based long-term studies that aim to evaluate risk factors as well as protective factors of dementia and other related disorders among cognitively healthy individuals over the age of 45. The Tata Longitudinal Study of Aging includes participants from urban Bengaluru and the Srinivaspura Aging, Neuro Senescence and COGnition study cohort includes individuals from the villages of Srinivaspura Taluk in Karnataka's Kolar district. The findings are still in the preliminary stage, but there is an indication of a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, impaired blood sugars, dyslipidaemia, and obesity in both the urban and rural cohorts. Proportions of these NCDs were around 46% and 55% in rural and urban participants, respectively. 'This implies that roughly one in two older adults had metabolic syndrome, urban significantly more than rural,' the researchers wrote in a 2022 article in eClinicalMedicine, a journal part of The Lancet Discovery Science. 'The high prevalence of undiagnosed co-morbidities among rural adults is concerning, calling for urgent public health measures in this marginalised and health-disparate population.' In a March 2025 article in the journal Acta Diabetologica, the team revealed that insulin resistance is associated with poorer cognitive performance related to auditory attention. Then, in an April 2025 article in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, the researchers showed that those with hearing loss are more likely to experience cognitive impairment compared to those without hearing loss. These early findings are in line with the modifiable risk factors outlined by the 2024 Lancet Commission on Dementia, which include hypertension, traumatic brain injury, obesity, depression, social isolation, physical inactivity, diabetes, low literacy, hearing loss, among others. Managing comorbidities like diabetes and vascular conditions is crucial, as they increase dementia risk, said Asha Dsouza, senior project manager and dementia care lead at Nightingales Medical Trust in Bengaluru. 'Additionally, hearing impairment can exacerbate behavioural issues due to communication difficulties, while addressing hearing loss can improve cognitive function and quality of life.' Awareness of the disease is key to developing interventions and managing the disease. Dsouza added that awareness about dementia is growing in cities like Bengaluru, leading to more families seeking diagnosis and care. Why seeking help isn't easy Despite this growing awareness, there are multiple challenges when it comes to diagnosis. Misconceptions about normal aging versus dementia lead to delayed diagnosis, said Dsouza. 'People with dementia often exhibit distinct memory patterns, such as vividly recalling childhood memories but struggling with recent events, often without insight into their memory loss.' 'In the beginning, most people are able to manage their daily functioning independently and the frequency of forgetting events/ names or conversations is sporadic,' said Hegde. "If a diagnosis of dementia is delayed, symptoms can become more severe.' Early detection and diagnosis is important as interventions can delay rapid deterioration. Some underlying medical issues such as a metabolic deficiency, thyroid abnormalities, tumours, autoimmune conditions, or even depression can mimic dementia. Hegde explained, 'These need to be ruled out and appropriate treatment initiated. We don't have a cure for dementia yet, but it is possible to manage the symptoms better, understand strategies to slow down the progression and help the person with dementia have a better quality of life.' Caring for a family member with dementia can be challenging because of the behavioural challenges and loss of memory. Both patients and their families need support to manage the disease. Centres like Nightingales and Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India provide services such as patient and caregiver counselling, training for family and professional caregivers and conduct memory screening and awareness programmes in local communities. Apart from memory loss, 81-year-old Anand Mehta (name changed) had hallucinations, wandered out of his home occasionally, had trouble sleeping and would not let his wife sleep. 'He refused to acknowledge his difficulties, and blamed others," his wife said. "It was very difficult to deal with him.' Harrowed by his behaviour, she sought help from a geriatric psychiatrist. Through counselling and therapy, she learned practical strategies to dementia-proof their home. This included placing bells on the main door to alert her if he wandered out, and creating flashcards with words and names he struggled to recall. These interventions improved their ability to manage Mehta's condition, bringing some much-needed relief to his wife. However, Maulik of the Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India said, specialised clinics are scarce, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. Private neurological consultations and scans can be expensive. 'Further, there is a strong social stigma attached to memory loss or mental illness, often leading to delayed help-seeking, isolation of the person, or even neglect. The gap between demand and supply is vast and growing. A national network of dementia care services – anchored in the public health system and supported by public-private partnerships – is urgently required.' Health systems need to improve India has fewer than 50 full-fledged dementia care centres across the country, and they are unevenly distributed, with most located in major cities, run by private hospitals, or nonprofits, Maulik explained. 'The Kerala state government under the Vayomithram project runs mobile clinics including dementia screening and community support. ICCONS, a government‑linked neuroscience institute, provides cognitive disorder care, including dementia.' She added that full-scale dementia care in India's public health system remains limited, especially outside major cities. 'There is no dedicated national policy for dementia and government health spending is low (~1% of GDP, with only 1%-2% of that on mental health), though there's a pledge to increase this to 2.5% of GDP by 2025. But there are encouraging signs – integration into Ayushman Bharat, National Program for Health Care for Elderly, and National Mental Health Program is being advocated, but implementation is still in early stages.' IndiaSpend reached out to the Secretary, Ministry for Health and Family Welfare on July 15 regarding the current state of, and plans to enhance dementia care in government hospitals and centres. We will update this story when we receive a response. 'Current solutions, though few, are built for urban areas. There is a dire need for solutions for rural areas – because non-communicable diseases are not diagnosed or managed well, it is possible that dementia prevalence is more,' said Ramani Sundaram, executive director of Dementia India Alliance, a non-profit supporting dementia patients and their families. 'But it is likely underreported due to poor awareness, limited diagnostic infrastructure and appropriate screening tools. If people in semi-urban and rural areas are to be reached, the government has to get involved.' To address this gap in Karnataka to start with, Dementia India Alliance and National Institute for Mental Health And Neuro Sciences promoted advocacy with the Government of Karnataka and in 2023, the state government declared dementia as a public health priority. 'In continuation with this, a draft action plan for the state has been submitted by experts from NIMHANS, Dementia India Alliance and the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka,' Prathima Murthy, director and professor of psychiatry at National Institute for Mental Health And Neuro Sciences said. 'The implementation of the provisions in the action plan requires multi-sectoral intervention with the role of government, health professionals and non-governmental organisations.' There are several other initiatives planned through National Institute for Mental Health And Neuro Sciences, Dementia India Alliance, Government of Karnataka, the Karnataka Brain Health Initiative and other stakeholders towards the implementation of the action plan, which is still an ongoing process, she explained. 'Some of these initiatives include training primary and community health centre staff and ASHA workers for initial screening and establishing pathways including memory clinics to reach as many people as possible,' Sundaram elaborated. 'The memory clinics work with patients and their families, help adhere to treatment plans, do meticulous follow-ups, provide family support and train caregivers to dementia proof their homes.' Aligning with the WHO action plan, the focus is also on creating awareness, promoting research, enhanced diagnosis, and capacity development. The science shaping dementia care The Centre for Brain Research is also working to address these focus areas. As the team continues to gather data on risk factors and protective factors, the findings could potentially shape age-specific cognitive screening protocols that could be incorporated into the state's primary healthcare systems. The researchers say substantial data on potential modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, low-quality sleep, and lack of education could play a pivotal role in informing/designing targeted strategies such as state-level health promotion campaigns and lifestyle interventions for risk reduction. Based on learnings thus far from its cohort studies, the Centre for Brain Research is planning to conduct a lifestyle-based non-pharmacological intervention study for dementia risk reduction (inspired by the World-Wide FINGERS trial). The Centre for Brain Research's collaboration with UK Dementia Research Institute on blood-based biomarkers that is just taking off, could pave the way for minimally invasive, scalable, and cost-effective methods for early diagnosis of dementia and other related neurodegenerative conditions. In this domain, efforts will also focus on developing scalable tests that move from conventional venous blood draws to simpler, at-home 'finger-prick' methods. Through national and international collaborations, the scientists aim to build AI infrastructure that may make cognitive testing and follow-up feasible in low-resource settings. They plan to team up with existing health programmes across the country. By combining their data, they hope to create a national source of information that can guide public health strategies, policy decisions, and scalable interventions for dementia prevention and healthy brain aging. The researchers from the Centre for Brain Research say that in the long run, they aspire to extend the cohort studies to other regions of India, representing different linguistic, socio-cultural, and genetic groups in order to enhance the generalisability of the findings. The work of the Centre for Brain Research has implications not only for improved brain health outcomes in Karnataka and across India, but also for equity-centric global dementia prevention strategies. Dementia is a life-altering disease. D'Souza of Nightingales said, 'Public awareness, timely screening, and comprehensive care are essential for early detection, effective management, and creating a comprehensive care ecosystem for individuals with dementia and their families.'
The Wire
18 hours ago
- The Wire
Everhope Oncology Launches First Cancer Daycare Centre in Gurugram — Revolutionizing Cancer Care with Compassion, Precision and Convenience
Everhope Oncology takes the anxiety out of cancer treatment — with zero wait time, 2X faster service, pre-booked diagnostics, and personalised concierge-led assistance. GURUGRAM, India, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Everhope Oncology, a next-generation cancer care platform backed by Narayana Health, W Health Ventures, and 2070 Health, today announced the launch of its first 15-bed dedicated cancer daycare centre in Sector 65, Gurugram. Situated strategically on Golf Course Extension Road, this state-of-the-art facility transforms how cancer care is delivered in India — especially for cancer patients who desire seamless, personalized treatment without compromising their quality of life. Everhope provides clinical excellence in a non-hospital, healing-led environment. More than a facility, Everhope is a bold movement to redefine cancer care — from fear and confusion to clarity, convenience, and dignity. "This is not just a launch of another healthcare facility. It's a response to what millions of Indian patients need — accessible, dignified cancer care that doesn't uproot their entire lives," said Gaurav Porwal, Director, Everhope Oncology. "We are solving India's cancer care gaps by reimagining the entire experience — from long queues and hospital overwhelm to a centre that's calm, close to home, and clinically world-class. Our daycare model eliminates the logistical and emotional barriers that often delay or complicate treatment. Patients can receive their chemotherapy in the morning and return to their normal activities by afternoon. And, what also sets us apart is our focus on personalized nutrition guidance from functional medicine experts, tailored to each patient's unique needs. This expert support not only aids recovery but also helps optimize treatment outcomes — ensuring that every patient receives holistic care, not just medical intervention. With the demand for 40,000 new cancer beds projected in India over the next few years, we believe the Everhope model is timely, viable, and scalable." Cancer care is evolving — globally and in India. While earlier, treatments required long hospital stays and multiple visits to distant tertiary centres, the daycare model is now considered the gold standard in high-income countries. Over 60% of chemotherapy and immunotherapy sessions worldwide are delivered via daycare — enabling patients to recover at home, maintain routine, and reduce exposure to hospital-borne infections. India, however, faces a growing cancer burden — with 8 million active cases, and 1 in 9 Indians projected to develop cancer in their lifetime. Coupled with a doctor-patient ratio of 1 oncologist for every 2,000 patients, delays in diagnosis and treatment are common. Everhope bridges this critical gap by bringing precision oncology closer to the patient, while reducing logistical stress and psychological barriers. "Our clinical offering isn't just comprehensive — it's cohesive," said Dr. Sunny Garg, Chief Medical Officer, Everhope Oncology. "With a high-powered Tumor Board, protocol adherence, and patient tracking systems, we ensure every treatment is tailored, evidence-backed, and emotionally intelligent. Whether it's immunotherapy, palliative care, or integrative support — we aim to deliver world-class outcomes centred around the patients in a neighbourhood setting. Cancer patients shouldn't have to choose between world-class treatment and maintaining their quality of life. Our daycare model recognizes that these patients want to continue working, spending time with family, and sleeping in their own beds. Research shows that outpatient chemotherapy not only maintains equivalent clinical outcomes but often improves patient satisfaction and psychological well-being." Everhope Oncology raised $10 million in seed funding, making it one of the largest early-stage investments in Indian healthcare in recent years. The joint venture brings together clinical excellence from Narayana Health, venture innovation from W Health, and GTM and Technology capabilities from 2070 Health. After the successful launch of the Gurugram centre, Everhope plans to open additional centres across NCR, including South Delhi and Noida in the coming months. The brand is also finalising locations in Mumbai and Bangalore, with a 10-city expansion roadmap planned over the next three years. With a mission to deliver 100,000 cancer sessions over the next 36 months, Everhope is poised to reshape how India treats, manages, and overcomes cancer — with dignity, speed, and strength. Everhope's unique edge • 15-bed private suites designed for chemotherapy and targeted therapy • 24x7 patient concierge support for appointment management and care continuity • 2x time saving at every stage from diagnostics to therapy, during consultation, billing and also parking • On-demand diagnostics with pre-booked lab & imaging services • Financial assistance cell for insurance, EMIs, and cost transparency • A Super Specialist Tumor Board of oncologists across medical, surgical, and radiation specialties • Precision Oncology Pathways with protocol-driven care and clinical audits • Mental health Emotional support and counselling for patients and next of kin • Customised Nutrition: Patients receive tailored meal plans designed by onco-nutrition experts to aid recovery and boost immunity About Everhope Oncology: Everhope is India's first specialised cancer daycare brand committed to transforming how cancer care is experienced and delivered. It's focused on delivering holistic, localised, and emotionally intelligent oncology care. From chemotherapy to counselling, diagnostics to diet, Everhope builds a 360-degree support ecosystem — centred entirely around the patient. Everhope Oncology is India's first patient-first, technology-enabled cancer daycare platform committed to transforming how cancer care is experienced and delivered. Founded in 2025 as a joint venture between Narayana Health, W Health Ventures, and 2070 Health, Everhope focuses on delivering high-quality, decentralised cancer treatment through accessible, emotionally intelligent, and clinically robust facilities. Each Everhope centre is designed to offer same-day chemotherapy, immunotherapy, diagnostics, nutrition, mental health counselling, and concierge support — all under one roof. With zero wait times, expert-led tumor boards, and integrated care pathways, Everhope aims to reduce the logistical, financial, and emotional burdens typically associated with cancer treatment. The brand's vision is to expand across 10 cities in the next three years, bringing compassionate, world-class oncology care closer to where people live and work. For more information, visit: (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
Business Standard
19 hours ago
- Business Standard
Country Delight Launches High Protein Cow Milk with 2X (30g) Protein -- A Game-Changer in India's Protein Revolution
VMPL New Delhi [India], August 6: Country Delight, India's most trusted kitchen essentials brand, has launched its latest innovation -- High Protein Cow Milk -- offering 2X (30g) protein compared to regular cow milk. Designed to address one of India's most silent yet widespread nutritional challenges, this launch marks a major milestone in the country's clean protein movement. The Problem: A Hidden Health Crisis in Indian Diets Despite rising health consciousness, 73% of Indians still fall short of their daily protein needs. The numbers are worse for vegetarians (91% deficient) and even among non-vegetarians (85% are deficient). What's more alarming -- 90% of urban consumers are unaware of how much protein they actually need (~48-60g per day). Many rely on processed powders or low-protein substitutes without understanding the long-term impact. Protein deficiency can lead to fatigue and low energy, weakened immunity, muscle loss, poor growth in children, hormonal imbalances, slower recovery, and reduced productivity and focus. India needs a natural, accessible, and high-trust protein solution -- and that's where Country Delight steps in. The Solution: Country Delight's High Protein Cow Milk This clean-label, high-nutrition product delivers 2X (30g) protein per 450ml pack -- meeting 50% of the daily RDA in just one serving. It's made using advanced natural filtration technology that reduces excess water while preserving the milk's natural nutrients. "We are solving India's natural protein scarcity by building a clean-label, minimally processed product ecosystem -- free from stabilizers, emulsifiers, and artificial ingredients. This is just the beginning. We will soon be introducing high-protein paneer, dahi, whole grain breads, and fresh batters," said Mr. Chakradhar Gade, CEO & Co-Founder, Country Delight What makes it special is that there are no added powders, no added water - just pure, pasteurized cow milk. It is rich in calcium and micronutrients, supporting muscle, bone, and metabolic health. The milk is multi-use friendly and works great in tea, coffee, curd, paneer, shakes, and desserts. Every pack goes through 140+ quality checks, ensuring purity and safety. This product is ideal for fitness-conscious individuals, growing children, working adults, and families that want natural protein without synthetic processing. Built on Trust, Delivered with Freshness Country Delight's supply chain is designed for source-to-home freshness. Milk is sourced directly from farmers, bypassing all middlemen, and reaches customer doorsteps within 24-36 hours of milking -- with 7 AM delivery even for midnight orders.
