The growth rate of the elderly population in India saw a sharp increase from 2001 onward after a series of successive falls. According to projections for 2021-31, the growth rate was expected to be five times the growth rate of the total population.

In 2021, Kerala reflected the highest share of its population belonging to the elderly age group with 16.5 percent as opposed to only 10.5 percent in 2001. This was an increase in six percent in two decades.

This dataset contains the decadal growth rates of general population and elderly population in India during different census years.

The statistic gives the share of aging population in India across selected states and union territories in India in 2011. The regions with the highest share of elderly people were in the state of Kerala, with some 12.6 percent of the population living there were 60 years or older, followed by the state of Goa with 11.2 percent. The share of aging population in the whole country that year was 8.6 percent.

This dataset contains the number of females per 100 males, i.e. gender ratio, for the elderly population and general population.

Abstract

The Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) aims to understand the situation of India’s elderly population by collecting data on their health, social situations, and economic circumstances. It will provide a foundation for innovative, rigorous, and multidisciplinary studies of aging in India that will inform policy and advance scientific knowledge. Its goal is to provide data harmonized with the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and its sister studies around the world. A pilot study has been conducted that includes household survey data, Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) and molecular biomarkers. The results of the pilot study will inform the design of a full-scale, nationally representative LASI, with a sample of roughly 30,000 to be followed longitudinally (with refresher populations added as needed). Due to its harmonized design with parallel international studies, LASI will contribute to scientific insights and policy development in other countries as well. LASI will ultimately be part of a worldwide effort aimed at understanding how different institutions, cultures, and policies can understand and prepare for population ageing.

Documentation

You can download the pilot data at the Harvard Program on the Global Demography of Aging website

Methodology

The LASI pilot survey targeted 1,600 individuals aged 45 and older and their spouses, and will inform the design and rollout of a full-scale, nationally representative LASI survey. The expectation is that LASI will be a biennial survey and will be representative of Indians aged 45 and older, with no upper age limit.

1,600 age-qualifying individuals were drawn from a stratified, multistage area probability sampling design. After a series of pre-pilot studies designed to test the instrument and the key ideas behind it, pilot data were collected through face-to-face interviews over three month time periods. Descriptive analyses of the data will be performed and lessons will be drawn to inform the launching of a full-scale LASI survey.

The LASI pilot survey was conducted in four states: Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, and Rajasthan. To capture regional variation we have included two northern states (Punjab and Rajasthan) and two southern states (Karnataka and Kerala). Karnataka and Rajasthan were included in the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE), which will enable us to compare our findings with the SAGE data. The inclusion of Kerala and Punjab demonstrates our aim to obtain a broader representation of India, where geographic variations accompanied by socioeconomic and cultural differences call for careful study and deliberation. Punjab is an example of an economically developed state, while Rajasthan is relatively poor, with very low female literacy, high fertility, and persisting gender disparities. Kerala, which is known for its relatively efficient health care system, has undergone rapid social development and is included as a potential harbinger of how other Indian states might evolve.

Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, both sexes (%) in India was reported at 45.38 % in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, both sexes - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

From 1950 to 2011, the share of elderly population from 15 to 59 years and above 60 years of age, saw a steady increase in the country. By contrast, a stark decline in the population in the age group from 0 to 14 years could be observed over the same time period.

This dataset contains the gender and place of residence wise elderly population above 60 years in India.

Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, female (%) in India was reported at 30.29 % in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, female - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

According to a survey carried out by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation in 2021 in India, Kerala reflected the highest population of old aged people amounting to almost 17 percent. In 2031, this value is projected to go up to almost 21 percent.

Elderly illiterate population, 65+ years, female (number) in India was reported at 30250585 Persons in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Elderly illiterate population, 65+ years, female - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

The India senior living market, valued at $11.16 billion in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% from 2025 to 2033. This surge is fueled by several key factors. An aging population, rising disposable incomes, and increasing nuclear family structures are driving demand for assisted living, independent living, memory care, and nursing care facilities. Furthermore, a growing awareness of the benefits of specialized senior care, coupled with improved healthcare infrastructure and increasing access to quality services, is bolstering market expansion. The market is witnessing innovation with the emergence of new models like integrated retirement communities offering a holistic lifestyle. However, challenges remain, including high upfront costs associated with developing and maintaining such facilities, potential regulatory hurdles, and the need to address the geographic disparities in access to quality senior care across India's diverse regions. Addressing these challenges through strategic partnerships, innovative financing models, and government support will be crucial for sustainable market growth. The segment breakdown within the India senior living market suggests a significant share for assisted living and independent living facilities, driven by the preference for maintaining independence while receiving support services. Memory care and nursing care segments are anticipated to grow steadily, catering to the increasing needs of individuals with cognitive impairments or requiring intensive medical attention. Key players like Antara Senior Care, Columbia Pacific Communities, and Ashiana Housing Ltd are actively shaping the market through strategic expansion, service diversification, and technological advancements in care delivery. The market's future growth trajectory will be strongly influenced by factors like evolving government policies promoting senior care, advancements in geriatric medicine and technology, and evolving consumer preferences. The increasing adoption of technology in senior living facilities will further enhance accessibility and improve the quality of care provided, driving further market penetration and growth. Recent developments include: May 2023: US-based Columbia Pacific Communities (CPC) plans to invest about INR 200 crore to develop 2 million square feet of senior living projects across India in two years. By the end of FY 2024-25, the company intends to have eight communities with about 2,000 homes under construction and on sale across nine cities in India., March 2023: Primus, A Senior living residences and retirement communities-focused company, plans to expand its presence by adding 2,000 units to its senior living residences as it enters the Mumbai market.. Key drivers for this market are: 4., Increasing Investments in the Senior Living Sector4.; The Southern Part of the Country is Expected to Witness Growth. Potential restraints include: 4., Increasing Investments in the Senior Living Sector4.; The Southern Part of the Country is Expected to Witness Growth. Notable trends are: Increasing Investments in the Senior Living Sector.

Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, male (%) in India was reported at 61.67 % in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, male - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Elderly illiterate population, 65+ years, both sexes (number) in India was reported at 45659175 Persons in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Elderly illiterate population, 65+ years, both sexes - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

According to the last census data conducted across India in 2011, there were over 52 million elderly females and a little over 51 million elderly men in the country. Between 2001 and 2011, the number of elderly female population has gone up compared to the elderly male population. This might indicate a higher longevity among women in the country than the men.

Graph and download economic data for Age Dependency Ratio: Older Dependents to Working-Age Population for India (SPPOPDPNDOLIND) from 1960 to 2023 about 64 years +, working-age, ratio, India, and population.

In India Elderly Care Market, It is expanding rapidly due to the rising aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and growing demand for long-term care solutions.

The India Senior Housing Market size was valued at USD 2.06 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3.48 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.78 % during the forecasts period.India's senior housing market is swiftly evolving to address the requirements of its aging population, spurred by demographic shifts, evolving lifestyles, and increasing urbanization. Senior housing denotes residential communities designed specifically for older adults, providing amenities and services tailored to their needs for comfort, security, and healthcare support. These communities encompass independent living options for active seniors, as well as assisted living and memory care facilities for those requiring additional assistance with daily activities or medical care. Key drivers behind the growth of India's senior housing sector include a growing number of elderly individuals seeking retirement solutions that offer high-quality living conditions alongside healthcare services. Urbanization and the shift towards nuclear family structures have diminished traditional familial caregiving, amplifying demand for senior housing alternatives. Recognizing this opportunity, developers and investors are expanding senior living facilities in major cities and Tier II towns nationwide. The market faces challenges such as affordability concerns among middle-income seniors, regulatory complexities, and the necessity for specialized healthcare infrastructure tailored to elderly needs. Nonetheless, both private developers and governmental initiatives promoting senior living communities and elder healthcare are propelling market expansion. As awareness and acceptance of senior housing solutions grow, coupled with advancements in healthcare services and infrastructure, India's senior housing market is poised for substantial growth, presenting promising prospects for real estate developers, healthcare providers, and investors. Recent developments include: In February 2024, Asset Homes and Columbia Pacific Communities partnered to launch four senior living projects in Kochi, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode. These luxury projects, named Asset Young Heart by Columbia Pacific, are aimed at serving Kerala's growing senior citizen population. The initial phase will include around 1,000 units, with plans for a Q1 launch in the 2024-25 fiscal year. , In May 2023, Columbia Pacific Communities partnered with Embassy Group to launch Serene Amara at Embassy Springs. This joint development project will be managed by Columbia Pacific Communities and built by Embassy Group. , In January 2023, Atulya Senior Living raised USD 9.3 million from North Haven India Infrastructure Partners with the aim of expanding its services. It operates in Chennai & Bengaluru and has provided care to over 20,000 senior citizens. The company plans to utilize the funding to expand its services across South India. . Key drivers for this market are: Increasing disposable incomes among the elderly and their families enable greater affordability for specialized housing and care services.. Potential restraints include: Cultural preferences and societal norms favoring elderly care within extended families can hinder acceptance and adoption of senior housing options.. Notable trends are: Adoption of smart home technologies, telehealth services, and remote monitoring systems within senior housing communities to enhance safety, security, and quality of life..

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the data for the Indian Village, IN population pyramid, which represents the Indian Village population distribution across age and gender, using estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. It lists the male and female population for each age group, along with the total population for those age groups. Higher numbers at the bottom of the table suggest population growth, whereas higher numbers at the top indicate declining birth rates. Furthermore, the dataset can be utilized to understand the youth dependency ratio, old-age dependency ratio, total dependency ratio, and potential support ratio.

Key observations

• Youth dependency ratio, which is the number of children aged 0-14 per 100 persons aged 15-64, for Indian Village, IN, is 48.1.
• Old-age dependency ratio, which is the number of persons aged 65 or over per 100 persons aged 15-64, for Indian Village, IN, is 61.1.
• Total dependency ratio for Indian Village, IN is 109.3.
• Potential support ratio, which is the number of youth (working age population) per elderly, for Indian Village, IN is 1.6.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Age groups:

• Under 5 years
• 5 to 9 years
• 10 to 14 years
• 15 to 19 years
• 20 to 24 years
• 25 to 29 years
• 30 to 34 years
• 35 to 39 years
• 40 to 44 years
• 45 to 49 years
• 50 to 54 years
• 55 to 59 years
• 60 to 64 years
• 65 to 69 years
• 70 to 74 years
• 75 to 79 years
• 80 to 84 years
• 85 years and over

Variables / Data Columns

• Age Group: This column displays the age group for the Indian Village population analysis. Total expected values are 18 and are define above in the age groups section.
• Population (Male): The male population in the Indian Village for the selected age group is shown in the following column.
• Population (Female): The female population in the Indian Village for the selected age group is shown in the following column.
• Total Population: The total population of the Indian Village for the selected age group is shown in the following column.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Indian Village Population by Age. You can refer the same here