Why India won't bow to US pressure on Russian oil
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In kitchens and classrooms, through trekking trails and theatre groups, across WhatsApp and wellness apps, there is a quiet revolution unfolding in India. Our active seniors are no longer 'retiring'; they are just getting started. Call them the second-innings generation. These are Indians in their mid-to-late 50s to 70s who are pushing the boundaries of what ageing looks and feels like, seeking health, learning, purpose, and community in ways that previous generations never imagined. Demographic inflection point India is ageing fast and actively. According to the UNFPA India Ageing Report, 2023, the population aged 60-plus is projected to reach 319 million by 2050, accounting for 20% of the total population. Life expectancy has risen sharply from 63 in 2000 to over 70.9 in 2024, and it continues to climb. This demographic shift represents more than statistical progression; it signals a fundamental recalibration of India's age structure. Unlike the gradual ageing experienced by developed economies over several decades, India faces compressed demographic transition, a phenomenon that demands immediate policy attention and systemic adaptation. What is even more telling is the shift in lifestyle patterns. A 2022 NASSCOM study reported a 50% increase in digital adoption among Indian seniors over five years, with more older adults using smartphones for video calls, online learning, banking, fitness tracking, and social engagement. This technological embrace contradicts persistent stereotypes about seniors' relationship with technology and innovation. Simultaneously, data from Agewell Foundation shows that more than 30% of Indians aged 60 to 69 remain economically active. Many are choosing to take on new professions, consult, mentor, or launch ventures post-retirement. This cohort represents the first generation of Indians to benefit significantly from economic liberalisation, accumulating substantial wealth and developing sophisticated consumption preferences. The economic imperative These numbers point to something bigger than a trend. It's a movement that carries profound economic implications for India's growth trajectory. Consider the purchasing power concentration. It's believed that the top decile of Indians — predominantly seniors — controls over 70% of the nation's wealth. This demographic possesses both the financial means and the time to engage in discretionary spending, yet remains largely underserved by contemporary market offerings. The economic potential extends well beyond consumption. The concept of the 'longevity economy', encompassing all economic activity generated by the needs and aspirations of people over 50, is fast emerging as one of the most significant growth opportunities for India. This represents an ageing challenge and an unprecedented market opportunity that requires strategic cultivation. Not just new-age start-ups, but many legacy business houses have begun tapping into this evolving market. Moreover, the knowledge economy benefits significantly from senior participation. Their institutional memory, professional networks, and accumulated expertise represent intangible assets that when properly harnessed, can drive innovation and mentorship across sectors. Countries such as Japan and Singapore have already begun institutionalising such knowledge transfer mechanisms. There have been attempts in India as well, but they remain few and far in-between. Winding down to reimagining life This is not about 'keeping busy'. It's about reclaiming agency, identity, and joy. Roshini Devi Sangwan stepped into a gym at 65. And not to prove a point to anyone else, but to take back control over her body and her life. What began as a simple walk became a deeper journey into strength, self-discipline, and self-worth. Too often, people beyond a certain age are expected to step aside and to fade quietly into the background. But today, Roshini Devi is stronger than many half her age. And the real power of her story lies not just in her physical transformation, but in what it represents: a shift from invisibility to intentional living. Her experience mirrors a broader societal transformation. The traditional Indian joint family structure, once a reliable support system for ageing parents, has evolved significantly. With 70% of urban Indian families now nuclear and approximately 25 lakh Indians emigrating annually, seniors increasingly live independently. Rather than viewing this as social fragmentation, we must recognise it as an opportunity for autonomous ageing, provided adequate support systems exist. Infrastructure gap The challenge is not in seniors' willingness to engage but in society's readiness to accommodate their aspirations. Current urban planning, healthcare delivery, and technology design remain largely age-blind, creating barriers rather than enabling participation. Healthcare infrastructure illustrates this disconnect acutely. While 75% of elderly Indians suffer from one or more chronic diseases, the healthcare system remains oriented toward remedial care rather than preventive wellness. The absence of geriatric specialists (India has fewer than 1,000 certified geriatricians for its ageing population) reflects deeper systemic inadequacies. Digital inclusion presents another frontier. While smartphone adoption among seniors has increased dramatically, the design philosophy of most applications assumes younger users. On mobile apps, even if they are purpose-built for active seniors, font sizes, navigation complexity, and security features often exclude rather than include. This is despite the growing purchasing power and engagement willingness of these active seniors. Policy implications Why we must pay attention extends beyond individual wellbeing to national competitiveness. The second innings generation is full of energy and intent but most institutions, brands, and narratives still treat them through the lens of decline: retirement, risk, and retreat. In many institutional and social conversations, this generation is still viewed through a lens of limitation rather than potential. What they actually need is access and understanding of their specific needs of curated products, social connection, opportunities to discover new skills, content that reflects their ambitions, and communities that validate their experiences. This demographic transition demands comprehensive policy recalibration. The National Policy on Senior Citizens requires updating to reflect contemporary realities. Current social protection schemes, designed for a different demographic context, need restructuring to accommodate longer, more active lifespans. Labour policy presents particular challenges. The concept of fixed retirement ages, inherited from an era of shorter lifespans and different economic structures, may need fundamental revision. Flexible work arrangements, phased retirement options, and age-neutral hiring practices could unlock significant human capital while addressing pension sustainability concerns. Urban planning must incorporate age-friendly design principles. A short wishlist includes accessible public transport, pedestrian infrastructure, healthcare proximity, and social spaces that encourage intergenerational interaction. Cities such as Pune and Chennai have begun pilot programmes, but systematic adoption remains limited. International perspectives Global experiences offer valuable insights. South Korea's 'Active Ageing' policies have successfully increased senior workforce participation while improving health outcomes. Singapore's 'Community Health Assist Scheme' demonstrates how technology can enhance healthcare delivery for ageing populations. These models, adapted to Indian contexts, could accelerate our preparedness. However, India's unique demographic advantage of a large ageing population coinciding with substantial wealth concentration presents opportunities that other economies have not experienced. The challenge lies in converting demographic change from a responsibility into a dividend. Designing for the new life stage Supporting this demographic is not a CSR obligation or a public health checkbox. It's a cultural and economic opportunity. Because what is at stake is not just their well-being, it's our collective future. If India is to be an inclusive, forward-looking society, it must create ecosystems that allow older adults to thrive, not just survive. Realising this potential will require more than policy tweaks; it calls for a mindset shift. We need to see active seniors not as passive beneficiaries, but as engaged contributors to our social, cultural, and economic life. This means designing systems and spaces that reflect their evolving aspirations, and narratives that affirm their agency. Additionally, we need age-tech innovation that prioritises specific products tailored for specific needs, usability over complexity, health intervention models that emphasise prevention over treatment, financial products designed for longer lifespans, and social infrastructure that combats isolation while promoting independence. The path forward Let us rethink ageing as a time of growth, not decline. Let us recognise that the second-innings generation is not slowing down — they are simply choosing new directions. This transformation requires coordinated action across the government, private sector, and civil society. Policy frameworks must evolve, market offerings must adapt, and social attitudes must shift. The demographic dividend that drove India's growth over recent decades is transitioning into a wisdom dividend, provided we prepare adequately. This is not a demographic trend. It's a cultural reset. And it's time we caught up. The silent revolution of India's active seniors represents both challenge and opportunity. How we respond will determine whether ageing becomes a source of national strength or strain. The choice, like the revolution itself, is already under way. Mihir Karkare is the CEO & co-founder of Meru Life; views are personal
