Let the elderly lead fulfilling lives with care, respect

Let the elderly lead fulfilling lives with care, respect 

Bruhaspati Samal

General Secretary

Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and Workers

Odisha State Coordination Committee, Bhubaneswar

Every year on October 1st, the world comes together to observe the International Day of Older Persons. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the unique challenges that elderly individuals face and promoting the development of a society that is inclusive of all age groups. As the global population of older persons rises, the urgency to address their needs has never been greater. While older adults contribute wisdom, experience, and guidance, many suffer from neglect, abuse, and lack of access to essential services. These challenges are further exacerbated by inadequate social protection systems, ageism, and socio-economic inequalities.

Globally, the elderly population is expanding rapidly. According to the United Nations, the number of people aged 60 years and older is projected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050, nearly doubling from 1 billion in 2020. Asia leads the world with around 630 million individuals aged 60 and above, while Europe follows with over 200 million, the highest proportion of elderly relative to the total population. Africa, though traditionally younger, is experiencing its own increase in elderly populations, with projections indicating 74 million older adults by 2050. The Americas, including the United States and Latin America, also face a growing number of elderly individuals, with countries like Brazil and Mexico feeling the strain of inadequate social systems to meet their needs.

India, home to over 140 million elderly people as of 2023, is facing a demographic shift that is adding to the urgency of addressing elder care. The elderly now make up more than 10% of India’s population, a number expected to grow to nearly 20% by 2050. This shift brings numerous challenges, particularly for a country where rapid urbanization and the disintegration of the joint family system are leaving many older persons without traditional support structures.

In India, many elderly people face multiple health-related issues, including chronic illnesses, disabilities, and mental health problems. The National Sample Survey (NSS) reports that 45% of older adults suffer from at least one chronic disease, with cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer being particularly common. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are also widespread, yet often go undiagnosed due to societal stigma and lack of resources. Another significant challenge for India’s elderly is financial insecurity. The country lacks a robust social security system, with only about 10% of the workforce covered by formal pension schemes. This leaves the vast majority of elderly individuals reliant on their families or meager savings. In rural areas, where work opportunities are scarce and informal employment is common, older people are especially vulnerable. The absence of a universal pension system compounds the issue, pushing many elderly into financial hardship.

Additionally, the rapid urbanization in India has led to increasing isolation and loneliness among the elderly. The breakdown of traditional joint families means more older adults are living alone or in under-resourced old-age homes. Studies show that around 35% of elderly individuals in India experience loneliness, which can lead to mental health problems such as depression. Moreover, elder abuse remains a pressing issue. A report by HelpAge India revealed that 1 in 5 elderly individuals in the country faces abuse, which ranges from emotional neglect to physical and financial exploitation. Most of these cases go unreported, as many elderly individuals fear further alienation from their families or suffer from a societal stigma that discourages them from speaking out.

Ageism, or discrimination based on age, is another widespread issue affecting older persons around the world. In many societies, older adults are seen as a burden, leading to their marginalization and exclusion from social and economic life. This discrimination manifests in various ways, including reduced employment opportunities, limited access to essential services, and even neglect within families. United Nations data indicates that 50% of the global population holds ageist attitudes, contributing to the marginalization of older persons.

To address these growing challenges, governments and civil society must implement robust legal protections and policies that safeguard the rights of older persons and ensure their well-being. In India, for example, the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act of 2007 mandates that children and legal heirs are obligated to provide for their elderly parents, ensuring they are not neglected. The act also provides for the establishment of old-age homes and other welfare measures. However, despite these legal frameworks, enforcement remains a challenge, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged areas. The responsibility for ensuring the well-being of older persons does not rest solely with governments; society as a whole must play a role. Strengthening family support systems is crucial, as is fostering a culture of respect and care for older individuals. Younger generations should be educated on the importance of elder care, and communities can develop programs to support the elderly. Volunteer organizations and local governments can collaborate to create age-friendly environments that promote inclusion and social engagement for older persons.

Investment in social services, particularly healthcare and pension systems, is essential. Governments must prioritize the expansion of universal pension schemes and provide better healthcare access tailored to the needs of older persons. Public health campaigns should also work to reduce the stigma associated with elder care and mental health issues. Technology can also play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges faced by older persons. Telemedicine services, digital literacy programs, and assistive devices can enhance access to healthcare and social services, particularly in remote or underserved areas. Governments and private sectors must invest in such technologies to bridge the gap in services available to elderly populations.

The International Day of Older Persons serves as a reminder that society must value and care for individuals of all ages, especially the elderly who have contributed significantly to our world. The problems they face—ranging from health and financial insecurity to isolation and discrimination—require comprehensive strategies to address them. By fostering a culture of respect, implementing strong legal protections, and ensuring robust social services, we can create a society that uplifts and supports older persons, allowing them to age with dignity and lead fulfilling lives.

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