Guwahati, Aug 31: How about caring for the elderly?
This is precisely why experts from the globe had converged at the IIM Shillong to deliberate on the importance of addressing the caregiving needs of India’s aging population.
According to the 2023 India Ageing Report elderly population will have surpassed the population of children (aged 0 to 15 years) in the country by 2046. The report says by 2050, over 20% of India’s population will be elderly.
According to the 2011 Census, more than 4 per cent population are elderly in Meghalaya.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis, in association with NITI Aayog, and the Government of Meghalaya, hosted a day-long NITI-State Workshop titled “Care Services for India and Beyond” at IIM Shillong recently. The workshop brought together approximately 150 delegates from across the globe to discuss and develop strategies for addressing the caregiving needs of India’s aging population.
The workshop was graced by the presence of several distinguished leaders and experts. Shri K.S. Rejimon, Joint Secretary, NITI Aayog, welcomed participants and underscored the importance of addressing the caregiving needs of India’s aging population.
Dr. V.K. Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy to enhance caregiver services and support the aging population. Prof. D.P. Goyal, Director of IIM Shillong, highlighted the crucial role of academic institutions in developing innovative solutions for the care economy.
Ms. Caralyn Khongwar Deshmukh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting caregivers and ensuring the dignity of older persons. Shri Israel W Ingty, Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, discussed regional initiatives and the importance of localized strategies for effective caregiving.
The workshop featured technical sessions with 21 presentations covering various aspects of caregiving, including state initiatives, capacity building, international best practices, and the future of care services in India. The discussions aimed to develop a robust roadmap for nurturing caregivers, creating job opportunities, and adapting global models to the Indian context.
The key takeaways from the workshop included a comprehensive analysis of caregiving services in India, identifying gaps and challenges. Participants called for a robust ecosystem that meets the needs of the aging population while ensuring the well-being and dignity of older persons.
The workshop also emphasized the importance of raising awareness among stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and focusing on policy development. Additionally, there was a strong emphasis on enhancing the skills, confidence, and well-being of professional caregivers through targeted training programs.
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