India’s growing elderly population needs an integrated care system, says report

Rajagopal G., chairman, ASLI; co-founder, director & group CEO, Lifebridge Group and Dr. Rana Mehta, partner & leader - Healthcare, PwC India, along with others, launch ASLI - PwC report “Silver Surge 2.0.” | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement India’s ageing population will require senior living to be accompanied by accessible care services, including assisted living, rehabilitation, memory care and home-based care, according to a report released by the Association of Senior Living India (ASLI) on Monday.The report, Silver Surge 2.0 – From Places to Care: Building India’s Senior Care Continuum, estimates that India’s population aged 60 and above will reach 166.9 million in 2026 and about 347 million by 2050. It notes that organised senior living penetration remains at about 1.5%, while assisted living accounts for less than 10% of organised senior living stock.The report also estimates that about 8.8 million Indians are living with dementia and 12.2% of seniors have supportive or palliative care needs. It identifies workforce capacity, financing and quality standards as key gaps. In a survey of providers, 75% identified workforce training as a priority and 67% highlighted the need for increased funding. It also notes that long-term care, assisted living, rehabilitation and home-based services continue to be largely financed out of pocket.The report proposes the S.C.A.L.E. framework, comprising 14 actions for 2026–27 covering standards and policy, financing, assisted and continuum care, workforce, and technology. It calls for structured caregiver training, insurance coverage for out-of-hospital care and common quality standards for senior care services.The report was released at the 7th ASLI Ageing Fest 2026 in Chennai. It was prepared with the support of PwC India and draws on public data, JLL–ASLI market estimates and a survey of senior care providers. Published - September 30, 2026 01:16 am IST