25% of Indian youth see heart disease risk in old age: Survey

"...youth in India between the age group of 18-24 years fear heart diseases most in old age (25 per cent) followed by diabetes (24 per cent) and cancer (16 per cent)," according to the survey titled 'Ageing' released by Max Bupa Health Insurance.

The survey was conducted on 12,262 adults across 12 countries, including India, Germany, the UK, the US, France and Mexico, on their attitudes and perceptions of ageing.

The survey found that in other countries, cancer and dementia generate the greatest levels of public anxiety (34 per cent and 23 per cent of respondents respectively).

The survey found that India is most upbeat about ageing with 53 per cent of respondents saying they take ageing in their stride. However, respondents in countries like Russia, Italy and Spain worried the most about old age.

"The positive attitude of Indians towards ageing is something to celebrate, but ageing without adequate provision is a serious concern given the rising medical costs in the country," Max Bupa Health Insurance CEO Damien Marmion said.

The report reveals that people across the globe continue to feel 'young at heart' even when they are in their 70s and 80s.

The greatest reliance on support from the family was observed in the three middle-income economies (Brazil, India and Mexico) and the three European countries (Italy, Spain and France), the survey said.