“Ageing is not merely an end-of-life concern but a continuum shaped across the life course”. Explain the concept. Analyse its implications for India’s social security architecture. Suggest measures to integrate a life-course perspective into policy design.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes
Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes
Q3. “Ageing is not merely an end-of-life concern but a continuum shaped across the life course”. Explain the concept. Analyse its implications for India’s social security architecture. Suggest measures to integrate a life-course perspective into policy design. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: NIE
Why the question Asked in the context of WHO’s 2025 ageing projections and UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, highlighting the need for India to reframe ageing as a continuum instead of end-of-life welfare. Key Demand of the question You must explain the life-course perspective of ageing, analyse its implications for India’s social security framework, and suggest strategies for integrating this approach into policy design. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Define ageing as an outcome of cumulative life-stage factors, not just old-age dependency. Body Explain the concept: life-course determinants such as childhood nutrition, education, work, and lifestyle shaping ageing outcomes. Implications: fragmented pensions, healthcare burden of NCDs, gendered vulnerabilities, fiscal sustainability challenges. Strategies: universal pension coverage, preventive healthcare, gender-sensitive support, labour market reforms, community-based integrated care. Conclusion: Stress shift from welfare mindset to life-long human capital investment for dignified and inclusive ageing.
Why the question Asked in the context of WHO’s 2025 ageing projections and UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, highlighting the need for India to reframe ageing as a continuum instead of end-of-life welfare.
Key Demand of the question You must explain the life-course perspective of ageing, analyse its implications for India’s social security framework, and suggest strategies for integrating this approach into policy design.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Define ageing as an outcome of cumulative life-stage factors, not just old-age dependency.
• Explain the concept: life-course determinants such as childhood nutrition, education, work, and lifestyle shaping ageing outcomes.
• Implications: fragmented pensions, healthcare burden of NCDs, gendered vulnerabilities, fiscal sustainability challenges.
• Strategies: universal pension coverage, preventive healthcare, gender-sensitive support, labour market reforms, community-based integrated care.
Conclusion:
Stress shift from welfare mindset to life-long human capital investment for dignified and inclusive ageing.