GROWTH OF ELDERLY POPULATION

• India is undergoing a demographic transition where the 60+ population is projected to nearly double from 10 crore (2011) to 23 crore (2036), rising from 8.4% to 14.9% of the total population.
• Simultaneously the under-15 share falls from 30.9% (2011) to 20.1% (2036) — the classic "ageing + declining fertility" combination.
• Relevant for GS-I (population/society), GS-II (welfare schemes, vulnerable sections) and GS-III (economy, social-security fiscal load).