Now Reading: Lifelong learning can protect independence in India’s ageing population
-
01
Lifelong learning can protect independence in India’s ageing population
Lifelong learning can protect independence in India’s ageing population
India’s population aged 60 and above is expected to exceed the 0-14 age group by 2046, with about 19,500 people turning 60 each day. The Hindu reports that learning in later life…
The Story in Brief
India’s population aged 60 and above is expected to exceed the 0-14 age group by 2046, with about 19,500 people turning 60 each day. The Hindu reports that learning in later life can help older people stay connected, mentally active and independent as technology changes rapidly.
The article says learning may build cognitive reserve, support memory and conversational ability, improve health literacy, and ease loneliness and anxiety. It also points to hurdles faced by older women, including financial dependence and caregiving duties, making flexible, bite-sized courses useful. Learning can happen through workshops, community groups, university programmes, travel and online platforms.
The Indian Opinion
The lazy narrative is that education ends with employment, while the opposite exaggeration treats every class as protection against illness. Neither is supported here. Learning can support mental engagement, practical health knowledge and independence, but it cannot replace medical care or social support. Access also matters, especially for women with caregiving duties. The useful test is simple: do programmes help older people retain everyday skills and connections, not just collect certificates?
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
