What is the prevalence of anemia in the elderly in India?

Oct 20, 2025 2 min read •

Geriatrics public health Hematology

According to a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of anemia among elderly persons (aged 60 years and above) in India is a staggering 68.3%, highlighting it as a significant public health issue. This article explores the various factors influencing this high prevalence, the consequences for senior health, and the differences observed across geographical regions and demographics.

Quick Summary

Anemia affects a vast majority of India's elderly population, with studies showing a pooled prevalence of 68.3%. This condition is driven by multiple factors, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, and systemic inflammation. It significantly impacts seniors' quality of life, increasing risks of frailty, hospitalization, and mortality. Addressing this issue requires targeted public health interventions and awareness campaigns.

Key Points

High Prevalence in India: A 2023 meta-analysis found a pooled anemia prevalence of 68.3% among Indians aged 60 and above, indicating a major public health issue.
Regional Disparity: The prevalence is not uniform, showing significant variation across regions, demographics, and between rural (higher rates) and urban settings.
Leading Causes are Multifactorial: Key drivers include nutritional deficiencies (iron, B12, folate), anemia of chronic disease, and, in a substantial minority of cases, unexplained factors related to aging.
Significant Health Consequences: Anemia in the elderly is linked to increased morbidity, mortality, functional decline, frailty, cognitive impairment, and a higher risk of falls.
Lack of Targeted Policy: Despite the high prevalence, existing national programs often overlook the elderly, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and inclusion in health policies like Anemia Mukt Bharat.
Requires Focused Action: Recommendations include routine screening, nutritional support, better management of chronic diseases, and increased healthcare provider awareness to address the problem effectively.

High Prevalence and Regional Variation

A 2023 systematic review examining 22 studies on Indians aged 60 years and above found a pooled prevalence of 68.3%, indicating that over two-thirds of elderly Indians are anemic. This issue varies significantly by region, with some studies reporting prevalence rates over 90%.

For more details on key findings from recent studies regarding variations in prevalence by gender, location, age, and altitude, and to understand the leading causes of anemia including nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, and unexplained factors, please refer to the article "Risk factors of anemia amongst elderly population living at high altitude of Uttarakhand, India" {Link: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7113975/}.

Consequences of Anemia for Elderly Indians

Anemia significantly impacts the health and functional capacity of older adults.

For information on the health consequences of anemia in the elderly, including increased morbidity and mortality, functional decline, cognitive impairment, risk of falls, and cardiovascular complications, and a comparison of anemia types like Nutritional Anemia, Anemia of Chronic Disease (ACD), and Unexplained Anemia (UAE), consult "Risk factors of anemia amongst elderly population living at high altitude of Uttarakhand, India" {Link: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7113975/}.

Policy and Public Health Response

Experts urge the inclusion of elderly in public health programs given the high prevalence. National initiatives like Anemia Mukt Bharat should expand to include seniors.

Recommendations for action

Routine screening: Implement regular screening for the elderly.
Nutritional interventions: Provide targeted support and education.
Healthcare provider training: Educate professionals on diagnosing and treating anemia in the elderly.
Addressing comorbidities: Improve management of chronic diseases contributing to anemia.
Tailored research: Conduct more standardized studies on the impact and interventions in this population.

Conclusion

Anemia is a widespread and serious health challenge for India's elderly. The 68.3% pooled prevalence highlights the need for a focused public health approach. Causes are multifactorial, including nutritional deficits and chronic illnesses. It has severe consequences, contributing to functional decline, hospitalization, and mortality. Targeted screening, nutritional strategies, and comprehensive policies are essential to combat this issue and promote healthy aging in India.

For more information on India's national health programs, refer to the National Health Mission website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2023, based on 22 studies, reported that the pooled prevalence of anemia among elderly persons (aged 60 and over) in India is 68.3%.

Studies often find that anemia is more prevalent and can be more severe in elderly women compared to elderly men in India.

The main causes are multifactorial and include nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin B12, folate), chronic diseases and inflammation (e.g., chronic kidney disease, infections), and in many cases, unexplained factors specific to aging.

Yes, studies show significant regional variations, with some areas reporting exceptionally high prevalence rates. A 2023 meta-analysis noted high heterogeneity across different Indian states.

Anemia has serious consequences for the elderly, including increased mortality and morbidity, functional decline, frailty, cognitive impairment, and higher risk of falls and cardiovascular complications.

No, while its prevalence increases with age, anemia is not a normal part of healthy aging and should be thoroughly investigated and treated. Symptoms like fatigue and weakness are often wrongly dismissed as typical signs of getting older.

Experts have called for the inclusion of the elderly in existing national health programs like Anemia Mukt Bharat, which have traditionally focused on women and children. This would involve regular screening and targeted nutritional and medical interventions.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.