Inclusive city development for ageing Indian population: Gap analysis and way forward

Abstract

Ageing is a term that has finally caught the attention of policy makers and development agencies. However, ageing (especially policies that investigate the welfare of this segment of the population in India) has been highly stereotyped. Policies in India treat ageing as only a matter of providing for health care and financial help. The concept of active ageing and including elderly population as active participants of the society is still untouched upon. India has about 104 million (2016) people above 60 years of age. There are several polices and action plan that has been introduced by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to address the issue of ageing population of this country. What is missing in all these policies is physical planning for cities which will become need of the hour since ageing means locomotive disability and visual disability too. The paper attempts to analyze existing policies of India and identity key gaps that needs to be addressed for a more comprehensive and inclusive development along with case examples of best practices across the globe. We are designing cities, public places, and infrastructure to serve the needs of the fast pace lifestyle of the current working population not realizing that these population will join the old age band making these current cities as inaccessible as is now for the current old age population of the cities. Cities need to brace itself apart from health care and economic stability for a sustainable development to cater to all age groups. Development for ageing populace does not necessarily mean age specific development but a design that serves and caters to all. The paper will also attempt to suggest measures for a more inclusive development.