Context:
Asian Development Policy Report highlights the challenges to Healthy Aging.
Asian Development Policy Report:
- Released by – Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- 4 key dimensions identified in the report with respect to older persons–
- Well-being – health
- Productive work
- Economic security
- Social engagement.
Key Findings:
- Rising Old Age Dependency Ratio – A significant increase in the ratio of people aged 60 and above (old age dependency ratio) is expected across developing Asia, including India, by 2050.
- Diminishing Demographic Dividend – Report acknowledges that younger economies like India and Indonesia will still benefit from a demographic dividend, though it will be less significant than before.
- Demographic dividend – Economic boost that can happen when a country’s population has more working-age people (between 15 and 64 years old) compared to dependents (those younger than 14 and older than 65).
- Shifting Demographic Winds – Favorable demographics that boosted past economic growth in developing Asia will become a challenge in the coming decades.
- Silver Dividend Potential – Report shed light on ways such as improving the well-being and health of older adults for increasing their ability to work, creating a “silver dividend.”
- Findings on India –
- Lowest health insurance coverage among older people at 21%
- 80%–90% of financial resources for retirement come from private income and assets, not public pensions or social assistance
Source: Business Standard
Previous Year Question
In the context of any country which one of the following would be considered as part of its social capital?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) The proportion of literates in the population.
(b) The stock of its buildings, other infrastructure and machines.
(c) The size of the population in the working age group.
(d) The level of mutual trust and harmony in the society.
Answer: (d)
