Senior care sector experts should help us draft policies: NITI Aayog

PTI Bengaluru: Institutions like the Association of Senior Living India (ASLI) should help us draft senior-friendly policies, member of NITI Aayog V K Paul said on Friday. He was speaking at the 5th edition of the ASLI Ageing Fest, a flagship event organised by ASLI, the umbrella body for India's senior care industry in Bengaluru. "We have seniors who have contributed to building this nation, and they need special measures, a special touch and a comprehensive response to their care.

Towards this, we welcome your suggestions on how to fashion a response, keeping their physical, digital and financial security in mind," added Paul. He also highlighted the work of the NITI Aayog in framing a comprehensive recommendation on senior citizen welfare for the government's consideration. The event saw several leading senior care industry experts talking about the sector's vast opportunities. In his opening remarks, Rajat Mehta, Chairman, ASLI, MD & CEO, Antara Senior Care, said India is on the brink of a demographic transformation, with 135 million seniors today.

"Projections show that by 2050, one in five Indians will be a senior citizen. Yet the sector has a mere 1.3 per cent penetration, while mature markets are at 6 per cent, presenting a remarkable 10 - 15 billion US dollar opportunity for the senior living sector," said Mehta. He also highlighted the need to work with government bodies for a robust regulatory framework to help unleash the true potential of the senior living sector.