India stands at a pivotal moment, with both a rising younger population and an ageing demographic. By 2067, India will have the largest population of older adults in the world. This shift challenges existing perceptions of ageing and calls for a new narrative that celebrates longevity as a time of opportunity.

Our report shines a light on how older adults are not just recipients of care but active contributors to society. They remain in the workforce, care for their families, and lead transformative grassroots initiatives. Yet, many face challenges such as poverty, social isolation, and limited resources for care and livelihood.  More importantly, entrenched narratives around what it means to grow older hold older adults back from living to their full potential.

This is not just a social imperative but also an economic opportunity. India’s emerging silver economy—currently valued at $8.7 billion—is expected to grow manifold. Creating enabling environments for older adults to continue working could integrate over 25 million additional workers into the economy. Unlocking the untapped capacity of adults aged 60-69 could boost India’s GDP by up to 1.5%.

Investments in integrated care infrastructure as well as leveraging older adults as care providers could further macroeconomic gains—freeing up time for 9.5 million women from low- and middle-income households, potentially raising India’s female labor force participation rate from 37% to 40%.

 Through the lens of samaaj, sarkaar, and bazaar, we explore how societal, governmental, and private sector efforts can improve the quality of life for older adults. By aligning these forces, philanthropy has a unique role in scaling innovations that address both the needs and aspirations of older adults.

This report calls for a shift in how we think about growing older. As India builds for the future, we must prioritize the well-being, dignity, and contributions of older adults. Philanthropy, businesses, and policymakers all have a role to play in shaping a future that values older adults as contributors in various roles – as anchors for their families, caregivers, workers, innovators, and leaders.

It’s time to move beyond—from managing ageing to driving longevity. Explore our findings and discover how investing in older adults is investing in India’s future.