Dr. Karthik Narayan R, Founder and Managing Director of Athulya Senior Care, has been appointed Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Committee on Senior Care for the 2026–27 term. The appointment takes effect from July 2026 and was announced during the CII Committee on Senior Care meeting held on July 14, 2026.
His appointment comes as India prepares for a sharp rise in its elderly population, increasing the need for organised senior care services, geriatric healthcare, trained caregivers and long-term care infrastructure. According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the country’s population aged 60 years and above is expected to grow from nearly 100 million in 2011 to around 230 million by 2036, representing approximately 15% of the total population.
Speaking on the appointment, Dr. Karthik Narayan R said it is a privilege to lead the CII Senior Care Committee at a crucial stage in the evolution of India’s senior care sector. He noted that projections by NITI Aayog indicate the elderly population could reach nearly 320 million by 2050, making up almost one-fifth of India’s population. He said this demographic shift calls for coordinated efforts from policymakers, healthcare providers, industry, and academia to strengthen long-term care systems, develop a skilled caregiving workforce, promote innovation, and ensure that senior citizens receive quality care while maintaining dignity and independence.
The appointment reflects the increasing national emphasis on improving elder care in India. As the ageing population grows, experts highlight the need for integrated care models, supportive regulations, greater use of technology, workforce training, and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to build a sustainable senior care ecosystem.
