Goa and Kerala report the highest rates of cardiovascular disease (60 per cent and 57 per cent, respectively), while diabetes is most prevalent in Kerala (35 per cent), Puducherry (28 per cent) and Delhi (26 per cent).Bone and joint issues are another concern, with 19 per cent of the elderly suffering from such conditions.Telangana leads with the highest prevalence at 33 per cent, while arthritis is most commonly reported in Jammu & Kashmir (22 per cent) and across all southern states.Mental health issues are rising, with 30 per cent of the elderly experiencing depressive symptoms and 8 per cent showing signs of probable major depression.The report noted a 10 per cent gap between self-reported and clinically screened cases, suggesting underdiagnosis.Elderly women are disproportionately affected, especially widows and those facing ill-treatment or poverty.Social isolation is growing, with 18.7 per cent of elderly women and 5.1 per cent of men now living alone.The erosion of joint family structures has exacerbated loneliness, especially among older women.In Kerala, 65 per cent smartphone penetration was found among the elderly. Age-based discrimination is prevalent, especially in Delhi, where 12.9 per cent of elderly respondents reported experiencing one form of discrimination and 12.3 per cent reported facing two or more.One in ten elderly felt that age was the primary reason for discrimination, with rural and poorer older adults more vulnerable.Kerala continues to top the chart with 16.5 per cent of its population aged 60+, followed by Tamil Nadu (13.6 per cent), Himachal Pradesh (13.1 per cent) and Punjab (12.6 per cent) as of 2021. Bihar (7.7 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (8.1 per cent) and Assam (8.2 per cent) reported the lowest proportions.While the central government has taken steps such as expanding Ayushman Bharat coverage to all citizens above 70 years, the report called for greater inter-ministerial coordination, investment in home-based care, and age-friendly infrastructure.It also advocated for public campaigns to challenge ageism and promote the social inclusion of older citizens.
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