The likelihood of hospitalisation in India increases sharply with age, doubling after 45 and rising further among senior citizens, according to the latest data from the National Sample Survey Office (NSO), based on hospital admissions over the past year.
Hospitalisation rates show a clear upward trend across age groups. While 23 per 1,000 people aged 30–44 required hospital care, the figure rises to 42 per 1,000 among those aged 45-59. It climbs further to 81 per 1,000 for individuals aged 60 and above. In comparison, only 15 per 1,000 people aged 15-29 were hospitalised. Notably, children aged 0-4 recorded a higher rate of 34 per 1,000, highlighting a dual burden at both ends of the age spectrum.
The data reflects a shift in healthcare demand towards middle-aged and elderly populations. Experts attribute this trend to the growing prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses, which tend to increase with age and often require hospital-based care.
Medical experts note that the sharp rise in hospitalisation after 45 points to gaps in preventive healthcare. Lifestyle-related conditions including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, fatty liver disease, and heart ailments are appearing earlier, while systematic screening and early intervention remain limited.
State-wise variations are significant. Kerala records among the highest hospitalisation rates, with around 186 elderly individuals per 1,000 admitted annually more than twice the national average. Lakshadweep and Tripura also report elevated figures, while some northeastern states show relatively lower rates. Experts suggest that higher rates in states like Kerala may also indicate better access to healthcare and improved disease detection.
Among the elderly, hospitalisation rates are higher in men (93 per 1,000) compared to women (69 per 1,000), while gender differences are less pronounced or sometimes reversed in younger age groups.
The findings highlight mounting pressure on India’s healthcare system as the population ages. With increasing life expectancy and a rising burden of chronic diseases, demand for hospital care is expected to grow. The NSO data underscores the need for stronger primary healthcare systems, early detection, and improved management of chronic illnesses to reduce avoidable hospital admissions.