Hospitalisation risk doubles after age of 45: NSO data

NEW DELHI: The risk of being hospitalised in India doubles after the age of 45 and rises sharply among the elderly, signalling a shift in the country's healthcare burden, according to the latest National Sample Survey Office (NSO) data.The survey shows that hospitalisation rates climb from 23 per 1,000 people in the 30-44 age group to 42 per 1,000 among those aged 45-59, and then nearly double again to 81 per 1,000 in those aged 60 and above. In comparison, only 15 per 1,000 people aged 15-29 required hospital care over the year. Hospitalisation among children aged 0-4 (34 per 1,000) is also higher than among adolescents and young adults, pointing to a dual burden at the two ends of the age spectrum.The data points to a clear transition, with healthcare demand increasingly driven by middle-aged and older populations. Experts say this reflects a rising burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart conditions and respiratory illnesses, which become more common with age and often require hospital treatment. "The sharp rise in hospitalisation after 45 reflects a systemic gap in preventive healthcare. Lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, fatty liver and heart disease are accumulating earlier, but structured screening and risk modification are not keeping pace," said Dr Rommel Tickoo, director, internal medicine, Max Hospital, Saket."If India invests in early detection, routine metabolic screening, cardiovascular risk assessment, and primary care strengthening, we can significantly reduce avoidable hospital admissions in later decades," he added.State-wise differences are stark. Kerala reports among the highest hospitalisation rates, with about 186 elderly persons per 1,000 admitted in a year-more than double the national average. Other regions such as Lakshadweep and Tripura also show elevated levels, while some northeastern states report lower rates. However, experts say that higher rates in states like Kerala may also reflect better access to healthcare and higher detection of illnesses.Among the elderly, hospitalisation rates are higher for men (93 per 1,000) than women (69 per 1,000), while differences are smaller or reversed in younger age groups.The trend highlights a growing pressure on hospitals as India's population ages. With more people living longer and developing long-term conditions, demand for inpatient care is expected to rise in the coming years.The NSO data, based on hospitalisations over the past year (excluding childbirth), underline the need for stronger primary healthcare, early detection and better management of chronic diseases to reduce avoidable hospital admissions.The findings from the NSO suggest that India's healthcare needs are shifting rapidly towards middle-aged and elderly populations.