PTI
New Delhi
Strengthening healthcare access and improving awareness of support services for older persons will be critical to building resilience in the face of increasing climate-related challenges, according to the latest report ‘Climate Resilient Ageing – Ensuring Care, Dignity and Agency’.
The national study by HelpAge India, based on responses from 2,224 older persons across 20 districts in 10 states, examined how health, care, livelihoods, social support and climate risks intersect in the lives of older persons living in rural India.
The study found that while healthcare services are available to many older persons, regular and reliable access remains an important area of focus. Although 88% reported at least some access to healthcare, 35% said they can always access healthcare when needed. Nearly two-thirds experience inconsistent access, creating challenges for managing chronic health conditions.
For many older persons, particularly those living in rural areas, practical barriers often make healthcare access difficult. Nearly half (49%) reported difficulty travelling to healthcare facilities, 41% cited treatment costs as a challenge while 38% said health facilities were located far away.
At the same time, government healthcare infrastructure continues to play an important role, with Primary Health Centres (51%) and government hospitals (49%) emerging as
the most accessed healthcare services.
“Older persons are among those most at risk from rising climate shocks, particularly those living alone or with impairments, and yet they remain largely invisible in climate response efforts. While government schemes provide a critical safety net, a more multi-pronged approach is needed with targeted interventions at household, community and institutional levels, alongside improving access to welfare schemes.”
“Integrating ageing into climate adaptation, climate financing, elder-centric disaster risk reduction and social protection policies is essential,” said Rohit Prasad, CEO, HelpAge India.
The report also highlighted the importance of awareness in helping older persons access available support.
Awareness of government schemes is highest for the Public Distribution System (93%), followed by old-age pensions or financial support (71%), free or subsidised healthcare (67%) and housing support schemes (62%).
Awareness is much lower for National Programme for the Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) (20%), digital training for older persons (17%) and elder helplines (11%).
According to the study, strengthening awareness of such age-specific services, especially elder helplines, can complement existing welfare initiatives and help older persons access timely support, particularly during emergencies and periods of vulnerability.
