TV
Come 2031, Odisha will become the sixth state to have a high proportion of elderly population in the country. Moreover, the old-age dependency ratio will post a sharp rise in the State, thereby, propelling it to emerge as the fourth highest among major states in the country.
Such an outlook about Odisha growing grey in the coming decade has been brought to the fore by the report Elderly in India - 2021. Today is World Senior Citizens' Day.
As per the report, the elderly population (60+) in the State will grow to 71 lakh in 2031 from 39.8 lakh in 2011. The important revelation is 60+ female population in the State will be more than the males. The projection shows that by 2031, the senior citizens (female) population in the State will be 37.14 lakh as against the male population of 33.86 lakh.
In contrast, as per the 2011 census, the population of 60+ years male in the State had been 19.94 lakh vis-a-vis 19.90 female population.
The Grey Area
The concern for the State policymakers is the old-age dependency ratio in the State will rise to 24.8 per cent by 2031 from 15.4 per cent in 2011. The sharp rise in the ratio shows the impact on the working-age group in the State. Since the unemployment rate in Odisha is remaining very high, a sharp rise in the dependency ratio could cast an impact on the social fabric of the State.
Therefore, it becomes imperative for the powers- that be in the State to create adequate employment opportunities in the State, feel observers.
Sample the Growing Divide
As per the report, in Odisha, as many as 27 per cent of elderly persons in rural and 31 per cent in urban areas are not dependent on the younger age group.
The shocker is in 2017-18, the proportion shrunk to 26 percent and 29 per cent, respectively. This shows the deteriorating economic independence of elderly persons in the State. A faster deterioration has been observed in the urban areas.
The Health Status
As per the NSSO 2017-18 report, in Odisha, around 24 percent in the age group of 60+ years have reported suffering from some illness in the last 15-days.
However, the proportion of 60+ persons treated as an in-patient during the last 1-year is looked into, then the number is estimated at a high of 84 per cent. This is where the health insurance schemes could play a vital role in the State.
