Ageing is a natural, universal and human experience, and every individual is bound to undergo it gradually. However, the way we age is shaped by various external factors, such as the support systems available, the quality of life led and also the social structure that is present around people. All these factors contribute to whether individuals undergo a healthy ageing process or not. At Smile Foundation, we strongly believe that healthy ageing is not merely the extension of human life, but also the enhancement of its quality. In a country like ours, where the older population is constantly increasing, living your last years healthily is of paramount importance. Therefore, elderly healthcare is not just important, but also a social and moral responsibility and necessity.
What Healthy Ageing Truly Means
Healthy ageing, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is “the process of developing and maintaining functional abilities that enable well-being in older age.” It is, therefore, not merely the absence of any major disease or illness, but rather a holistic quality of life and the maintenance of all basic mobility functions while ageing.
Healthy ageing therefore, includes:
- Maintaining mobility and physical well-being
- Staying mentally and emotionally resilient
- Participating actively in community and family life
- Retaining independence in daily activities
- Living in environments that are supportive, safe, and age-friendly
Therefore, in essence, healthy ageing is where older adults are able to live a fuller life, with increased mobility, and maintain and carry out basic functions and abilities, rather than merely increasing their lifespan.
The Challenges of Ageing in India
For adults in India, their lives towards the end are governed by various ancillary factors, such as their quality of life, finances, the support system around them and the strength of community bonds. Certain common diseases, such as chronic diabetes, heart diseases, arthritis, etc., have become extremely commonplace, especially due to the lifestyle which we lead. Mental health issues are also constantly rising, with about 20% of older citizens dealing with mental or neurological health issues. Financial insecurity, especially in rural areas, where savings are low, also poses a significant challenge for older people, along with limited access to healthcare facilities, especially for those elders with mobility issues. Experts argue that loneliness and shrinking family and support structures all add up to the layers of difficulty for ageing individuals. All such issues highlight a pressing need for a compassionate and humane approach to healthy ageing.
India’s Changing Demographics: A New Reality
India is undergoing a profound demographic shift, with an estimated 10.5% of the population aged 60 and above in 2022. This number is expected to increase exponentially to approximately 20.8% by 2050. That would make India one of the countries with the highest population of older citizens, with approximately 319 million people over the age of 60 by 2050. That number is also expected to rise over the years, as life expectancy continues to increase gradually, with women living slightly longer lives than men. These figures clearly show that managing India’s ageing population will be a challenge for policymakers and that it requires a far greater urgency, which needs to be addressed immediately.
A Global Movement: The Decade of Healthy Ageing
The issue of healthy ageing has also been brought to the global forefront, with the United Nations (UN) declaring the present decade, from 2021 to 2030, as the Decade of Healthy Ageing. It has brought the focus back on the older population and senior well-being, and calls for various measures such as:
- Ending age-based discrimination
- Creating inclusive, age-friendly cities and communities
- Transforming elder healthcare with integrated services
- Ensuring access to long-term care
Smile Foundation’s Commitment to Healthy Ageing
Smile Foundation’s older care initiatives are specifically built on compassion, accessibility and community-centric support. We ensure that ageing adults and individuals are not left behind, especially those in remote or underserved regions, such as rural and non-urban areas. We have special mobile healthcare units which bring essential medical facilities directly to older people who struggle to travel to medical clinics. These units primarily provide:
- Primary care consultations
- Point-of-care diagnostics
- Free medicines
- Regular follow-ups for chronic conditions
For many ageing individuals, these facilities are not merely medical facilities but are life-saving reassurances of human connection and care.
Telemedicine: Bridging the Distance
Smile Foundation has also actively worked to make telemedicine accessible, even in remote areas. Through new-age digital platforms, we are ensuring that even older individuals in rural areas of the country can receive expert guidance without having to travel longer distances. We conduct several health camps and static clinics which offer:
- Screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, cataracts and arthritis
- Nutritional counselling
- Physiotherapy support
- Counselling for mental and emotional well-being
Health Camps and Rural Clinics
Our community health camps and static clinics, especially in the rural areas and non-urban sectors, also offer:
- Screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, cataracts and arthritis
- Nutritional counselling
- Physiotherapy support
- Counselling for mental and emotional well-being
These services form a holistic support system that ensures early diagnosis, ongoing care and improved quality of life.
A Research-Backed Approach to Healthy Ageing
Evidence consistently shows that healthy ageing is best supported when medical care is combined with lifestyle, social and environmental factors. Some of the most effective practices include:
- Regular preventive health check-ups
- Moderate physical activity, such as walking, yoga or strength exercises
- Balanced nutrition, particularly adequate protein and micronutrients
- Mental health care, including counselling and social engagement
- Cognitive stimulation, like memory exercises or group activities
- Age-friendly infrastructure that supports mobility and safety
These pillars of healthy ageing align closely with the interventions and goals of the SMILE Foundation.
The Bright Side: Ageing as an Opportunity
Although there can rarely be any brighter sides to growing old, as it presents numerous challenges, it does bring about certain changes and transformations, and the opportunities that come with it can be extremely meaningful. The older generation brings with them a wealth of memories and a reservoir of wisdom, experience and cultural continuity. The concept of the “silver economy” is also gaining momentum, with an increasing number of products, services and innovations being designed specifically for older people.
Older adults can guide and enrich families more effectively with their lived experiences, helping to preserve traditions and values and providing emotional stability to the community. Supporting them is not charity—it is an investment in humanity.
A Vision for the Future
Smile Foundation envisions a future where every older adult in India has access to healthcare, feels connected to their community, and lives with dignity. A future where ageing is not feared but embraced, a phase marked by joy, wisdom and purpose.
The journey toward healthy ageing is not only for the older people; it is for all of us. The world we build today is the world we will grow old in tomorrow. Let us ensure that the world is filled with care, respect and support.
