5.5 per cent of the Indian population is already aged over 65 years

The World Health Organisation's theme on the upcoming World Health Day this year is “Ageing and Health”. According to Census 2011 data, 5.5 per cent of the Indian population is already aged over 65 years. While this means that the average life expectancy has increased, it also means India is faced with the challenge of providing the elderly with a dignified, relatively independent, and consistently healthy lifestyle.