2022 · GS Paper 3 · Q5 · 10 marks
The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them ?
In short
Rising life expectancy has brought a surge in chronic diseases, dementia, disability and costly long-term care, which need screening, geriatric services and financial protection. ICMR-INDIAB (2023) counted about 101 million Indians with diabetes, showing the scale of the non-communicable disease burden.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 269 words
Non-communicable diseases
ICMR-INDIAB (2023) counted about 101 million diabetics and 315 million people with hypertension, and LASI found three in four elderly with a chronic disease.
Dementia and loneliness
LASI-DAD (2023) estimated about 8.8 million elderly with dementia, while shrinking joint families deepen depression, loneliness and isolation among the old.
Disability and cost
About 40% of the elderly have some disability (LASI), and lifelong drugs and admissions push their households towards poverty.
Early screening
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs should screen everyone above 30 for hypertension, diabetes and common cancers.
Financial cover
The 2024 extension of PM-JAY to all citizens aged 70 and above needs outpatient and drug cover to match, since chronic care is mostly outpatient.
Geriatric capacity
The National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly needs more geriatricians, home-care nurses and palliative beds.
Healthy ageing
Fit India, Tele-MANAS and the Senior Citizens Act 2007 keep the elderly active, connected and protected.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2022 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.