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24 July 2026

Climate change resilience for the elderly

The topic addresses the intersection of demographic shifts and climate vulnerability, providing a framework for policy-oriented questions on social protection and disaster management for the elderly.

1 min read 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • India's elderly population is projected to grow from 149 million in 2022 to 347 million by 2050.
  • Climate change impacts the elderly through sudden shocks (floods, cyclones) and slow-onset stresses (heat, drought, coastal erosion).
  • Key vulnerabilities include chronic illness, reduced mobility, mental distress, social isolation, and disruption of healthcare access.
  • The 'Intersectional Place Perspective' identifies risk factors as the interaction of age, gender, widowhood, disability, poverty, and local environmental conditions.
  • Barriers to government service access for the elderly include digital literacy gaps, long waiting times, and lack of support during application processes.
  • Policy recommendations include climate-resilient healthcare, age-inclusive early warning systems, and community-based care networks modeled on successful international examples like Thailand.
  • A shift from 'hazard-centred' to 'people-centred' climate adaptation systems is required to integrate social protection with disaster risk reduction.

Questions

  1. Discuss the specific vulnerabilities faced by the elderly population in India due to climate change and suggest measures to build resilience at the community level. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. As India transitions towards an ageing society, evaluate the need for a 'people-centred' approach in climate adaptation policies. How can existing social protection frameworks be redesigned to address the intersectional risks faced by the elderly? 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. According to the HelpAge India report, which of the following is identified as a key factor that reduces climate resilience among the elderly?

  2. What is the projected size of India's elderly population by the year 2050 as mentioned in the report?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-24/climate-change-resilience-for-the-elderly