India is entering a profound demographic transition, with projections indicating that by 2050, nearly 20% of its population will be aged 60 and above. This shift underscores an urgent need for robust, evidence-based research on ageing, yet current efforts in gerontology, long-term care, and age-related policy remain fragmented and underdeveloped.
Over the past few decades, HelpAge India has undertaken extensive research on ageing and issues affecting older persons, to better understand their needs, challenges and influence policy. With population ageing accelerating in both scale and complexity, there is a pressing need for a dedicated platform.
The ‘Institute for Longevity and Ageing Research’ is a premier platform dedicated to advancing rigorous scientific research, driving innovative solutions, informing policy and building capacity. By integrating these functions, it aims to create a seamless link between academia, government, and on-ground practice, enabling cross-sector collaboration in ageing and longevity research. Anchored in the Indian context, while engaging with global research networks, the Institute hopes to bridge the critical gap between knowledge and implementation.
VISION
A society where every year of life is lived with dignity, purpose, and well-being.
MISSION
To advance healthy longevity by adopting citizen-centred community practices and translating knowledge into scalable solutions, impactful policies, and resilient systems for an ageing society.
AIM & APPROACH
It aims to bring together HelpAge India’s deep community engagement with older persons and rigorous research, to bridge the gap between evidence and action. It adopts a citizen-centred approach, by ensuring that the voices, priorities, and lived experiences of older people are at the heart of research and solution design.
STRATEGIC PILLARS
The Institute will be guided by four core research pillars to ensure long-term impact. Together, these strategic pillars will be underpinned by HelpAge India’s practical experience and contribute to strengthening three core areas of impact – healthcare, age care, livelihoods, ensuring that research translates into meaningful action and improvement in the lives of older people.
FIVE RESEARCH FRONTIERS
The Institute’s research agenda will address the emerging challenges and opportunities of population ageing through five interdisciplinary research frontiers.
ENSURING SCIENTIFIC EXCELLENCE
To uphold the highest standards of research quality, integrity, and impact, the Institute will be guided by a Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) and an Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC).
OUTCOME
The Institute aspires to create a society where longevity is matched by dignity, independence, and an improved quality of life for all older persons.