By Vijay Garg
In the changing environment, nuclear families are keeping the elderly away from the threshold of the house. The elders of the house are often referred to as the foundation of the family. Considering their wealth of experience, they should be consulted. Their affection and love are priceless. The elderly population is rapidly increasing in our country, yet the available resources for them are diminishing. In such a situation, it becomes the responsibility of all of us to integrate them into the fabric of our communities, caring for them both physically and mentally, instead of isolating them.
From isolation to solution
We should strive to transform the ‘problem’ of elderly isolation into a ‘solution’. As the country’s aging population grows and health challenges arise, a comprehensive national survey has been conducted to scientifically examine the health, economic, and social determinants and consequences of aging in India. This monumental survey, the first of its kind in India and the largest worldwide, measures social, health, and economic well-being. It provides longitudinal databases to formulate policies and programs for the aging population. The survey encompasses a representative sample of countries and states, socio-economic profiles, a comprehensive and contextual focus, longitudinal design, data collection, quality control, and the utilization of Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) technology and Geographic Information System (GIS) to achieve synergy with various national health programs.
National Policy for Senior Citizens
Considering emerging demographic, socio-economic, and other pertinent sectors, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is formulating a National Policy for Senior Citizens. This policy addresses issues such as financial and food security, healthcare, and nutrition, aiming to ensure a healthier future for India’s growing elderly population. Research indicates that by 2030, 12% of India’s population will be aged above 60, and according to the United Nations Population Fund, this is projected to increase to 19.4% by 2050. The increase in the senior female population is expected to surpass that of males. The rise in longevity has led to a surge in the number of individuals aged 80 and above, with approximately 11 million people falling into this age group. India is anticipated to have the largest number of centenarians by 2050, with nearly 600,000 people aged above 100.
Necessity for welfare programs aimed at the elderly
The number of senior citizens is projected to rise from 10.38 crore in 2011 to 17.3 crore in 2026 and 30 crore in 2050. In such a scenario, the necessity for welfare programs aimed at the elderly intensifies. Factors such as increased life expectancy, the prevalence of nuclear families, the challenges of day-to-day maintenance, and dependency on others for age-related difficulties make the lives of elderly individuals particularly challenging. This predicament is exacerbated for older women due to heightened economic dependence. In rural areas, where 70% of the elderly reside, economic factors and inadequate medical services contribute to a dire situation, especially for those over 80 years of age. A staggering 5.1 crore elderly population lives below the poverty line, and the escalating crimes against senior citizens further exacerbate their conditions.
The percentage of senior citizens in India has been steadily increasing in recent years and this trend is expected to persist. According to the State of World Population 2019 report, six percent of India’s population was aged 65 years and above. While an increase in life expectancy is desirable, it brings forth new challenges in the modern world. The issue of population growth has become a concern for numerous countries today. Provisions for pensions and healthcare are falling short in terms of budget allocation. With the number of elderly individuals expected to triple over the next three decades, from 100 million to more, India faces numerous challenges.
The distancing between families
In this changing environment, nuclear families are inadvertently distancing the elderly from the heart of the household. As children become engrossed in digital pastimes like PUBG rather than listening to their grandparents’ stories, the elderly yearn for meaningful conversations with their descendants. Many of them find themselves trapped in the solitude of their own homes. In such circumstances, their mental, economic, and social problems are on the rise. Their pensions are dwindling in the face of inflation.
It’s imperative to introduce distinct schemes for the elderly, encompassing their healthcare needs. This would ensure that elderly members in every household are regarded as blessings rather than burdens. The inclusion of the elderly in the Ayushman scheme is a crucial step. The time has come for society to address these issues collectively and work towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for our senior citizens.
(Vijay Garg is Retired Principal and Educational Columnist, Malout, Punjab)
