Tamil Nadu Elderly Population To Touch 20 Percent In Next Decade, Says K G Arunraj
Tamil Nadu Health Minister K G Arunraj announced in Chennai on Saturday that the state's population is aging rapidly due to a declining birth rate and longer life expectancy. Speaking at World Population Day events, Arunraj stated that the government is shifting its focus toward improving healthcare and quality of life rather than viewing population growth as a burden.
According to the minister, nearly 16 in every 100 people in Tamil Nadu are now over 60 years of age. This proportion of elderly citizens is projected to rise to one in five, or 20 percent of the population, over the next decade.
Arunraj explained that the state's approach to demographics has evolved. He stated that population is no longer looked upon as a burden, and that people are instead considered resources. This shift has prompted the state to prioritize health and quality of life improvements.
Data shared at the event indicates that Tamil Nadu’s population, which was estimated at 7.2 crore in 2011, is projected to reach 7.7 crore this year. It is expected to grow to 7.8 crore by 2036. However, overall growth is slowing down as the birth rate falls and life expectancy increases.
The state’s total fertility rate—the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime—has dropped significantly. The rate has fallen from around 3.9 in 1971 to 1.3 today.
Arunraj noted that the standard replacement-level fertility rate required to maintain a population over time without migration is 2.1. Tamil Nadu reached that replacement level in the 1990s. He added that fewer babies are now being born in the state, a trend commonly seen in most developed countries.
As a result of these declining birth rates, the youth demographic is also shrinking. Projections show that children aged 0 to 14, who accounted for 23.6% of the population in 2011, are expected to make up 18.3% of the population in 2026. This figure is projected to decrease further to 15.6% by 2036.
