The world is ageing rapidly. By 2050, the global population of people aged 60 and older is expected to reach 2 billion, doubling from 2015. This shift is not just about numbers—it’s about addressing the unique health challenges that come with ageing. According to the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) 2021 report, nearly 70 per cent of the elderly population in India resides in rural areas, where access to geriatric care continues to pose a significant challenge. The usual ways of giving healthcare often can’t meet all the different needs of older adults. This is where integrated geriatric care comes in. It offers a special patient-first approach that goes beyond addressing individual health issues, focusing on enhancing the overall quality of life for elderly individuals. By combining the expertise of multidisciplinary teams with a deep understanding of ageing, this model provides a comprehensive way to improve the lives of older adults and their families.
The core of geriatrics care
Integrated geriatric care brings together a team of different experts, like doctors, nurses, therapists, and caregivers, to take care of older adults’ overall health needs. This approach does more than just treat physical problems. It also looks at mental health social support, and what the patient wants in their care plans. One big part of integrated care is handling polypharmacy, which is when older people take five or more medicines each day. This is often needed, but it can cause harmful drug interactions and side effects. Integrated care makes it a priority to check medicines and find ways to stop using some making sure each prescription is needed and helps the patient.
Challenges in geriatric care in India
Only 18 per cent of elderly people in India have health insurance, making access to care challenging. The Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) 2021, a national survey by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, reveals that 75 per cent of seniors have one or more chronic diseases. Additionally, economic dependency is a significant issue, with 70 per cent relying on others for support and 78 per cent lacking a pension, further complicating their ability to manage health needs effectively.
Older people often deal with several long-term health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and joint pain as well as memory loss. This puts pressure on families and healthcare systems. To manage these problems, we need a well-planned approach that looks after both medical and non-medical needs. However, a significant shortage of primary care providers specialising in geriatrics, combined with inadequate rural healthcare infrastructure, limits access to proper care. Addressing these challenges will require investment in training, policy reforms and better healthcare facilities, particularly in underserved areas.
The role of integrated geriatric care in improving lives
Integrated geriatric care gives us a chance to boost health results and make life better for older adults. It tackles long-term illnesses mental decline, and patients’ emotional health, while giving much-needed help to those who care for them. However, tackling the socioeconomic challenges faced by India’s elderly such as economic vulnerability, food insecurity and even abuse—requires broader policy reforms and community-driven solutions.
As India prepares for a future where older adults will form a significant portion of its population, investing in geriatric care is not just a necessity but a moral imperative. By adopting a holistic, team-based approach, healthcare systems can ensure that ageing is not merely about adding years to life but about adding life to years.