A study by the Technical Group on Population Projections has indicated that the number of elderly people in the country will reach ten crore by the next year.

The Census of India has shown a steady increase in the numbers of people of 60 years and above. A UN projection of their numbers beyond 2016 has indicated that India will have 18 crore people in this age group by 2030 and over 38 crore in 2050.

Giving this information in the Lok Sabha today, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Centre has launched the National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly to specifically address the health-related problems of the senior citizens.

Adequate funds are allotted to the dedicated health care centres to look after their medical needs, he said.