The world is passing through a phase of rapidly changing demographic conditions, predominantly, developing countries like India. The resulting slowdown in the growth of the number of children per couple along with the steady increase in the number of elderly persons per household has a direct bearing on both intergenerational and intra-generational equity and solidarity, which constitutes the basic foundation of human society. Population ageing results mainly from reduction of fertility, a phenomenon that has become virtually universal.

I congratulate the editors, Anthem South Asian Studies, New Delhi, for having brought out this timely publication, ‘Institutional Provisions and Care for the Aged’. This book provides interesting insights into the health care arrangements for the elderly, a topic of increasing importance globally, and it should attract the attention of all interested in the health care of the aged.

Population projections made in the book indicate that the number of the elderly would increase from the current level of 90 million to 298 million in 2051 and to 504 million in 2101. The growth rate of the elderly is much higher than the growth of the general population.

Recognizing the health care needs of the elderly, the Ministry of Health, Government of India, has decided to devote large sums of money to provide holistic care through the establishment of the National Institute of Aging.