Silver Women In India: Economic Challenges And Realities

Did you know that over 58% of women above 60 in India have zero independent income, with 74% remaining economically dependent? Our latest policy brief by Jaanvi Mohindra, supervised by Renata Freeman, explores the systemic challenges facing India's "silver women", from fragmented social protection to severe economic exclusion.

Key Insights from the Research:

• Lifelong Structural Inequality: Decades of uncompensated care work and limited formal employment accumulate over a lifetime, leaving older women disproportionately vulnerable to financial dependence.

  
  

• Inadequate Pension Coverage: Only 7.8% of older women receive a work-related pension. Meanwhile, public assistance scheme amounts remain nominal, unindexed to inflation, and difficult to access due to cumbersome paperwork.

  
  

• Widowhood & Isolation: With nearly 48% of older women widowed and many left behind by migrating children, the absence of inheritance rights and social capital drives widespread isolation.

  
  

• Reframing Longevity: Shifting the narrative from "ageing and decline" to "longevity and active participation" emphasises functional abilities, adult education, and digital literacy over ageist stereotypes.

  
  

• Actionable Reforms: The brief outlines clear steps forward: implementing a universal non-contributory pension, establishing multigenerational community hubs, and boosting silver women's entrepreneurship and local employment.

  
  

At HDRI, we highlight evidence-based structural reforms to advance gender justice and dignity across all life stages. This research provides essential insights for policymakers, civil society, and advocates addressing India’s rapid demographic shift.