India’s ageing population is growing at an unprecedented pace, yet our understanding of “healthy ageing” has long been based on Western medical data. This mismatch can lead to inaccurate diagnoses and ineffective treatment plans for millions of Indians. To address this, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru has launched the BHARAT Study—short for Biomarkers of Healthy Aging, Resilience, Adversity, and Transitions—under the Longevity India Program.
The initiative aims to create a Bharat Baseline, a set of India-specific health parameters that reflect our unique genetic diversity, dietary habits, environmental conditions, and cultural lifestyle factors.
Why India Needs Its Own Health Parameters
- Diverse Lifestyles & Genetics – From millet-heavy rural diets to urban fast-food consumption, India’s varied nutrition and genetic make-up require customised health benchmarks.
- Limitations of Western Standards – Indicators like BMI, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure thresholds—developed in Western contexts—often fail to accurately represent health risks in Indians.
- Rising Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) – Projections show a 200% rise in dementia cases and a 168% increase in Parkinson’s by 2050, making early detection critical.
How the BHARAT Study Works
The BHARAT Study will gather detailed biological and lifestyle data from across India, including:
- Genomic data to map genetic health risks and resilience
- Proteomic & metabolic markers for early disease prediction
- Environmental and lifestyle factors such as pollution exposure, diet, and physical activity
Advanced tools like single-cell sequencing, wearable health trackers, and AI-driven analytics will help identify signs of ageing and disease before symptoms appear.
Expected Impact on India’s Healthcare
- Personalised Diagnostics – More accurate diagnosis by replacing “one-size-fits-all” thresholds with India-specific ranges.
- Policy & Insurance Reform – Better data to inform national health programs like Ayushman Bharat and geriatric care schemes.
- Boost to Medical Research – A strong database for developing India-made diagnostic tools and treatments.
- Global Health Leadership – The Bharat Baseline could serve as a model for other developing nations in the Global South.
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Source: A New BHARAT: Establishing Baseline Health Parameters for the Indian Population – Vajirao Institute
