A Study on Healthcare Provision for the Elderly in Uk, in Particular Those of South Asian Origin, to Facilitate Strategies and Ideologies in Context of Policy Guidance Relating to the Emergent Challenge of Healthcare

"A study on healthcare provision for the elderly in UK, in particular those of South Asian origin, to facilitate strategies and ideologies in context of policy guidance relating to the emergent challenge of healthcare provision for growing numbers of older citizens in India."
Introduction
The world is witnessing an unprecedented growth in its elderly population. In 2006, almost 500 million people worldwide were 65 and older. By 2030, that total is projected to increase to 1 billion - 1 in every 8 of the earth&©s inhabitants. Significantly, the most rapid increases in the 65-and-older population are occurring in developing countries, which will see a jump of 140 percent by 2030 (Summit on Global Aging, 2007). India is not exempt from this situation. As per the Government of India&©s National Population Policy Document 2001, the age group of 60 plus years is projected to increase from 7 percent in 2001 to nearly 9 percent by 2016. With the total population of India projected to increase from 1012.4 million in 2001 to 1263.50 million in 2016, in absolute quantitative terms, the increase in the number of individuals aged 60+ is expected to go from 70.868 million in 2001 to 113.715 million in 2016, i.e. a phenomenal 60.46% increase. These trends have been corroborated by major international studies (United Nations, 2008; Kinsella and He, 2009). The significance and implication of this increasing ageing population in India has not yet been fully appreciated. A larger older population that is living longer than ever before will throw up new challenges with health and healthcare provision. Rigorous scientific research which would culminate in conceptualization, formulation and successful policy implementation; post reviews and feedbacks from interested stakeholders, is the need of the hour. This will enable the government and community to allocate resources for the care of older people, as well as influence ideologies for sustainability of family units. This... [continues]

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