Chennai: With the ageing population projected to reach about 350 million over the next two decades, the Association of Senior Living India (ASLI) has urged the government to recognise the senior living care industry. It also pressed for the launch of insurance products for senior citizens above 65 years of age covering home care, assisted living and memory care.“The senior living industry must be recognised. The government can bring in some basic regulations, which the industry will comply with. We want the government to intervene in manpower creation and workforce development in this category in India,” Rajagopal G, chairman, ASLI, said here on Tuesday. He was speaking on the sidelines of the release of a report on India’s ageing ecosystem.Noting that India’s senior citizen population is projected to jump to 350 million by 2047 from the current 135 million, he said the number of people above 80 years of age would also increase significantly over the next two decades.“The senior living care industry will grow substantially. It includes care centres, home care and assisted living facilities,” he added.He said insurance products for senior citizens above 65 years of age were the need of the hour. “There are already examples overseas. For instance, Japan is a very good example, where investment-linked insurance is available for senior citizens,” Rajagopal said.
