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India Today
26-06-2025
- General
- India Today
In India, parenthood is becoming a luxury
India, now the most populous country in the world with nearly 1.5 billion people, stands at a crucial demographic junction. Debates around population often swing between panic over overpopulation and alarm about falling fertility rates. The United Nations Population Fund's latest State of World Population report reframes the issue: Indians are having fewer children, not because they don't want to have more, but because they can't afford to. Across the 14 countries surveyed, the most commonly desired family size was two children. In India, 41 per cent of women and 33 per cent of men said they ideally wanted two children. However, India's total fertility rate â€' the average number of children per woman â€' dropped to 1.9, below the replacement threshold of 2.1. While this mirrors a broader global trend, the real story is more unsettling, as highlighted in the report. The report examines why people have fewer children than they would like, and the findings show common trends across countries: economic constraints, work instability, and lack of proper housing, among other reasons. In India, money stood out as the single biggest barrier to parenthood, with 38 per cent of respondents saying they did not have more children because of financial concerns. This was followed by housing limitations (22 per cent), job insecurity (21 per cent), partner disagreement (18 per cent), etc. In short, Indians are not choosing smaller families. They are being forced into them by economic and structural barriers. Demographic dividend under threat According to the UNFPA's India Ageing Report 2023, India's elderly population is growing faster than ever and is expected to overtake the number of children by the middle of this century. By 2050, there will be more older people in India than children aged 0–14. A country that is young today is steadily becoming an ageing society. The large young population is often seen as India's demographic dividend. But it won't be the case if young people can't afford to start families because of unstable jobs, rising costs, or lack of access to proper reproductive healthcare; this dividend could easily turn into a demographic burden. When choice becomes coercion The UNFPA report makes it clear that fertility is not just about how many children people have; it's about the right and ability to make that decision, something that's still out of reach for many women in India. A recent Guardian report revealed that female sugarcane workers in India are being pushed into getting hysterectomies so they don't have to deal with periods or pregnancies while working, which contractors see as a "disruption". In a country where economic constraints already limit reproductive autonomy, these practices show how coercion still exists, especially for poor and marginalised women. This is not a fertility choice; it is reproductive violence. India, now the most populous country in the world with nearly 1.5 billion people, stands at a crucial demographic junction. Debates around population often swing between panic over overpopulation and alarm about falling fertility rates. The United Nations Population Fund's latest State of World Population report reframes the issue: Indians are having fewer children, not because they don't want to have more, but because they can't afford to. Across the 14 countries surveyed, the most commonly desired family size was two children. In India, 41 per cent of women and 33 per cent of men said they ideally wanted two children. However, India's total fertility rate â€' the average number of children per woman â€' dropped to 1.9, below the replacement threshold of 2.1. While this mirrors a broader global trend, the real story is more unsettling, as highlighted in the report. The report examines why people have fewer children than they would like, and the findings show common trends across countries: economic constraints, work instability, and lack of proper housing, among other reasons. In India, money stood out as the single biggest barrier to parenthood, with 38 per cent of respondents saying they did not have more children because of financial concerns. This was followed by housing limitations (22 per cent), job insecurity (21 per cent), partner disagreement (18 per cent), etc. In short, Indians are not choosing smaller families. They are being forced into them by economic and structural barriers. Demographic dividend under threat According to the UNFPA's India Ageing Report 2023, India's elderly population is growing faster than ever and is expected to overtake the number of children by the middle of this century. By 2050, there will be more older people in India than children aged 0–14. A country that is young today is steadily becoming an ageing society. The large young population is often seen as India's demographic dividend. But it won't be the case if young people can't afford to start families because of unstable jobs, rising costs, or lack of access to proper reproductive healthcare; this dividend could easily turn into a demographic burden. When choice becomes coercion The UNFPA report makes it clear that fertility is not just about how many children people have; it's about the right and ability to make that decision, something that's still out of reach for many women in India. A recent Guardian report revealed that female sugarcane workers in India are being pushed into getting hysterectomies so they don't have to deal with periods or pregnancies while working, which contractors see as a "disruption". In a country where economic constraints already limit reproductive autonomy, these practices show how coercion still exists, especially for poor and marginalised women. This is not a fertility choice; it is reproductive violence. Join our WhatsApp Channel
New Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
India witnessing silent elderly crisis amid rapid demographic shift
NEW DELHI: India is witnessing a silent but profound demographic shift as its elderly population (aged 60 and above) grows at an unprecedented rate, now making up over 10% of the total population. This figure is projected to double to nearly 20%—or 34.7 crore people—by 2050. Yet the surge is unfolding against the backdrop of economic insecurity, eroding family support systems, and glaring healthcare gaps. These findings come from a report, 'India's Ageing Society: The Landscape Today' by Give Grants India', which draws on data from the India Ageing Report 2023 (jointly prepared by UNFPA India and the International Institute for Population Sciences), along with research from NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Only 29% of elderly receive pensions, leaving the vast majority financially vulnerable, the report says. Traditional family-based care structures, particularly in urban settings, are under strain, leaving ageing adults to fend for themselves with limited income and inconsistent access to healthcare.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
India's Adult Diaper Market Set to Nearly Double Over the Next 5 Years, Reaching USD 355.7 Million, Led by Nobel Hygiene, RGI Meditech, and Kamal Healthcare
The India adult diaper market presents opportunities driven by a growing elderly population and increasing acceptance of adult diapers for incontinence management. Trends include rising health awareness and cultural shifts reducing stigma. Challenges include high costs limiting adoption, needing affordable, local manufacturing solutions. Indian Adult Diaper Market Dublin, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "India Adult Diaper Market, Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" has been added to offering. The India Adult Diaper Market was valued at USD 188.95 Million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 355.76 Million by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 11.12%. Rising health awareness, improved access to hygiene solutions, and growing demand from both urban and semi-urban populations are propelling market expansion. Increasing acceptance and awareness, particularly among aging consumers and caregivers, are supporting the integration of adult diapers into daily healthcare routines, further stimulating market growth. Key Market Drivers Growing Elderly Population: The rapid increase in India's elderly population is a significant factor driving demand in the adult diaper market. With aging comes a higher prevalence of conditions such as incontinence, reduced mobility, and chronic illnesses, all of which increase the need for adult hygiene solutions. Projections indicate that by 2050, individuals aged 60 and above will account for over 20% of India's population, with the elderly expected to outnumber children aged 0 to 15 by 2046. This demographic shift highlights a rising requirement for dependable and comfortable incontinence care. Adult diapers enable older adults to maintain personal hygiene, independence, and dignity, thus becoming an essential component of elderly care. Government data and UNFPA's India Ageing Report 2023 reinforce the urgency of addressing senior citizens' health and hygiene needs, supporting strong market potential. Key Market Challenges High Product Costs and Affordability Issues: One of the key challenges in the Indian adult diaper market is the relatively high cost of these products, limiting their adoption, especially among price-sensitive consumers. Premium pricing, influenced by factors such as imported materials, logistics expenses, and limited local production of high-grade absorbent components, restricts accessibility. Imported brands are particularly affected by tariffs and transportation costs, making them unaffordable for many consumers in lower-income or rural segments. Additionally, increasing costs of raw materials like SAPs (superabsorbent polymers) and synthetic fibers further inflate prices. For manufacturers, balancing quality and affordability presents a challenge, requiring strategic sourcing, localized manufacturing, and cost-effective distribution channels to expand market penetration in underserved areas. Key Market Trends Growing Acceptance and Normalization of Adult Diapers: Changing social perceptions and rising health awareness have led to greater acceptance of adult diapers in India. Traditionally associated with stigma, incontinence management is now recognized as an essential aspect of personal care and quality of life. This cultural shift, supported by awareness campaigns and increased dialogue from healthcare professionals, is making adult diapers more acceptable across age groups and medical conditions. Innovations in product design - such as slim, undergarment-like pull-ups and odor-controlling materials - have enhanced comfort and discretion, increasing consumer confidence. Online retail has further accelerated this trend, offering private, convenient purchasing options. Manufacturers are also leveraging messaging around dignity, hygiene, and improved daily functionality in their marketing to connect with a wider audience. Key Players in India's Adult Diaper Market: Nobel Hygiene Limited RGI Meditech Kamal Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. Kare-In Swara Baby Products Pvt. Ltd. PAN Healthcare Pvt. Ltd Walmark Meditech Pvt. Ltd. Kimberly-Clark India Pvt. Ltd. Millennium BabyCares Pvt. Ltd. Ascent Meditech Ltd. Report Scope In this report, the India Adult Diaper Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends, which have also been detailed below. India Adult Diaper Market, By Type: Reusable Diapers Disposable Diapers India Adult Diaper Market, By Product Type: Pants/Pull-Up Style Pad Style Flat Style Others India Adult Diaper Market, By Material: Cotton Non-Woven Fabric Fluff Pulp Others India Adult Diaper Market, By Sales Channel: Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Pharmacy & Drug Stores Departmental Stores Online Others India Adult Diaper Market, By Region: North South East West Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 82 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $188.95 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $355.76 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 11.1% Regions Covered India For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Indian Adult Diaper Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Longevity, beyond the eternal youth fantasy
In an age obsessed with aesthetic perfection, it is refreshing — and vital — to see a longevity initiative grounded in substance rather than superficiality. The ambitious $101 million XPrize Healthspan, which will announce its semi-finalists this week, seeks to extend not merely the years of life but the quality of those years. Its aim is to rejuvenate the body's most vital systems — muscles, cognition, and immunity — by at least a decade for those aged between 50 and 80 years. Crucially, the winning solution must be accessible, scalable within a year, and affordable — a powerful antidote to the exclusivity that often shadows biomedical innovation. That the vision of equitable longevity has moved beyond age-reversal fantasies is a welcome shift. Ageing has far too often been cast as a pathology to be hidden, delayed, or denied, a decline to be concealed behind the mask of youth. Longevity is framed through a superficial lens — wrinkle creams, biohacking fads, and fat-loss drugs — but beyond this fixation on appearance, ageing has a deeper import. A meaningful extension of life must necessarily centre on capability — mental clarity, mobility and resilience to disease. These are the pillars that sustain autonomy and self-worth in old age, without which additional years risk becoming a slow erosion of the self, an undignified hollowing out of all that makes a person whole. As the global population ages, such innovations could radically reshape healthcare systems and reduce the burden on caregivers. According to the India Ageing Report 2023, for instance, the elderly population in the country is projected to surge to 347 million by 2050, accounting for 20.8 per cent of the population. By 2046, the number of elderly is expected to surpass the number of children under 15 years of age. This demographic shift will bring with it significant socio-economic challenges. But there is also now a glimmer of an opportunity in it: To reimagine old age not as a slow fading but as a phase of dignity and continued purpose.
