Abstract
Chronic Heart Disease (CHD) is becoming an increasingly common health issue among older adults in India, often affecting their well-being and quality of life. Using data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI Wave 1), this study looks at over 62,000 individuals aged 45 and above to understand how CHD is managed across different socio-economic groups. While many older adults are aware of their condition, access to care and regular treatment remain uneven. Hospitalization rates are higher among the poorest elderly (50%) compared to the richest (30%), and though outpatient visits are common, financial barriers continue to impact continuity of care. A particularly worrying finding is that nearly half of the rural poor and over a fifth of the urban poor who are diagnosed with CHD are not taking any medication. In contrast, 83% of those from the wealthiest group are able to maintain their treatment, highlighting apparent gaps driven by economic inequality. At the same time, there have been promising improvements in India’s health system. Programs like Ayushman Bharat are helping to change the landscape by expanding access to care, especially for the most vulnerable. Through health and wellness centers, regular screenings, and free medicine distribution, more older adults, especially in rural and low-income settings, are getting access to the care they need. This study emphasizes that while challenges remain, these initiatives are making a real difference. This is crucial for achieving India’s broader goal of health for all.
Presenters
Atul Kumar PandeySenior Research Fellow, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Medical Perspectives on Aging, Health, Wellness
KEYWORDS
Chronic Heart Disease, Healthcare, Ageing, India
