Ageing populations and urban services – UGC NET Question

Statements C and D are wrong because older persons are widely recognised as highly vulnerable during heatwaves, and demographic shifts influence long-term demand and design for water, sanitation and waste services. A, B, E and F are correct in noting specific access needs, universal design, active ageing measures and the value of participation. Therefore, the option that identifies both C and D as wrong, while accepting the rest, is the correct one.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect since it singles out only C as wrong and ignores D, even though dismissing the implications of ageing for service planning contradicts demographic and planning evidence. By failing to include D, it underestimates long-term infrastructure challenges.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it selects only D, leaving C unchallenged. Statement C wrongly suggests that heatwave planning need not consider older persons, something strongly refuted by mortality and morbidity patterns in past heat events.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it groups C, D and E together as wrong, even though E correctly highlights the benefits of walkability and seating for active ageing. Including a valid statement among wrong ones makes this combination conceptually inconsistent.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it identifies precisely the two statements that neglect vulnerability and planning implications, and it implicitly affirms the importance of design, services and participation for ageing populations in cities.