Imagine being hospitalised more than once in a year, just because you're getting older. That's the harsh reality for many Indians, especially those above 45. According to recent data from the National Sample Survey Office, hospitalisation rates in the country are doubling after 45, and it's mostly elderly people who are driving this surge in care demand.

The survey found that among those aged 30-44, about 23 people out of every 1,000 needed hospital care over the past year. But this number shot up to 42 per 1,000 among those aged 45-59, and then nearly doubled to 81 per 1,000 in those aged 60 and above. In contrast, only 15 people out of every 1,000 aged 15-29 required hospital care.

Experts say this shift in healthcare demand is largely due to the rise in chronic diseases like diabetes, heart conditions, and respiratory illnesses. These conditions often require hospital treatment, and they become more common with age. 'Lifestyle diseases are accumulating earlier, but we're not doing enough to prevent them through early detection and risk modification,' said Dr. Rommel Tickoo, Director of Internal Medicine at Max Hospital in Delhi.

Interestingly, the data show that hospitalisation rates vary significantly across different states. Kerala, for instance, reports the highest hospitalisation rates, with about 186 elderly people per 1,000 admitted in a year - more than double the national average. Other regions like Lakshadweep and Tripura also show elevated levels, while some northeastern states report lower rates.

The trend highlights the 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 further in the coming years. The data clearly suggest that India needs to invest in stronger primary healthcare, early detection, and better management of chronic diseases to reduce avoidable hospital admissions.