Page 55 - GHES-3-2

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Aging and health facilities in Indian cities

Figure 5. Share of older population and available health facilities in Class I cities in India, 2011

4. Discussion regional disparities. Smaller cities tend to have poorer
health facilities compared with larger cities despite having
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between similar proportions of older adults. As India’s demographic
population aging and the availability of health facilities in structure evolves, it is essential to plan and prepare for
Indian cities. While much research has focused on aging the future needs of its aging population (United Nations,
populations at the state level, few studies have investigated 2020). The study underscores the need for policies and
the city-level situation. This study found that Indian cities programs targeting the older population and for further
house a significant share of the older population, with research on the changing patterns of aging in urban areas.
this share increasing rapidly in the last decade. However, Urban planning should focus on creating age-friendly
there are substantial regional disparities in health facilities, environments to meet the needs of the older population.
with many cities struggling with inadequate healthcare
infrastructure and personnel. As the proportion of older As the population continues to age, adequate planning
adults rises, the current healthcare infrastructure will for the health and well-being of older people becomes
prove to be inadequate to meet the mental and physical crucial (Gardener & Lemes de Oliveira, 2020; Noroozian,
well-being needs of older adults (Jeste et al., 2016). 2012). However, there are significant regional differences
in the availability of health facilities across India. While
The study compared the distribution of the older urbanization is often associated with development, it is
population with the availability of health infrastructure, important to recognize that different urban areas are at
such as hospitals and medical staff, revealing notable varying stages of development. Previous research has

Volume 3 Issue 2 (2025) 47 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.3993