By
Dr. M. Rahim Nasar
Ageing is an integral part of each society in the world. The advancement of medicine and technology has increased the life expectancy to a determined level, which has resultantly raised up the elderly population. Ageing is a very common phenomenon among the developed countries, however, it is newer in the developing countries, which has caused serious concerns for these countries. Research studies conclude that most counties in the world are experiencing rapid growth in the ageing population. It is estimated that the continued pace of the older aged 65 years and above would rise to 1.4 billion by the year 2030 from 901 million in year 2015. This changing demography would not only be a matter of concern of economy for the world, but would also raise issues like social insecurity, healthcare and mental health for elderly people.
October 1st was designated as International Day of Older Persons by the general assembly of United Nations in 1990. According to UNO ageing population is a global trend reshaping societies worldwide. The life expectancy is increasing rapidly, which has exceeded 75 years in half of the world countries at birth. It is extended further that by the year 2030 the old population is expected to outnumber youth population globally, astonishingly more in developing countries. The situation in turn inculcated the world leaders to reimagine a comprehensive healthcare, care and social support services for the older persons. Contextually, in this year the 34th commemoration of the UN International Day of Older Persons is celebrated with the theme of “Ageing with dignity: The importance of strengthening care and support system for older persons worldwide”.
The problem of elderly has achieved a serious shape and become complicated in the modern digital age, which in turn needs to be investigated thoroughly and thoughtfully otherwise the societies may face dysfunction. In this regard while analyzing severity of the problem a discipline was introduced as Gerontology “Derived from a Greek word geron, which means the old person”. The discipline goes through the study of old persons, their physiological, social, psychological, mental health, diseases and issues occur overtime. Contextually, the developed world launched a number of programs for elderly population like “Active Living, In Porto Life is Long and Wellness Project etc.” as prominent programs promoting healthy ageing however the situation in the developing countries is still deplorable.
In the past the old age persons had influential position in the society because of their stable economic position, but since the modern trends entered their traditional role has shrunk gradually. The economy and family authority has shifted to youth. These changing trends on one hand transformed the conventional ways of earning to modern formal institutions and professionalism, which has ultimately lessened dependence of children on their parents and on the other side escalated discrepancies between the elders and their children for pursuing more authority by each cohort, which leads to humiliating situation eventually within the families. Joint family structure is a suitable launching pad for elders having for granted high authority and respect, however, such family system is swiftly transforming into nuclear family system adding up deprivation of the elder population.
Nevertheless, majority of the old age population has one or more chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, blood pressure etc. These diseases subsequently lead them to disabilities, depression, nutritional challenges, physical dysfunction etc. Moreover, the studies indicate that depression in the old age folk is a common illness and spreading rapidly equally in developed as well as in developing countries. In Pakistan 22.9% of elderly population facing depression. It is further stated that The intensity of depression is much greater what is reported, even it is higher than the USA. In this context, the WHO has alarmed that the depression will remain the prominent cause of disability and to the cardiovascular disease. Besides the mental illnesses the elderly in Pakistan is also facing with the undernutrition and malnutrition. Most of the elderly don’t have access to meat and deprived of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are the potential ingredients for longevity, and the state and society is failed to provide them with such requirements.
Pakistan as a developing country is also affected by the frequent demographic transition of increasing elderly population. According to the 1998 census the population of the 60 years and above increased to 7.34 million as it was 2.92 million in 1961 census, which indicates around three times increased in 35 years. It is further stated that by the year 2030 it would touch the figure of 23.76 million, which will be 9.3 percent of the total population. However, being an alarming issue regrettably the state has not taken it seriously and no such policies have been devised so far. Nonetheless, some sporadic work has been done in Punjab and Sindh to accommodate the elderly people in welfare homes, still, their performance is not remarkable. In addition, some NGOs like Pakistan Senior Citizens Association Karachi, Pakistan Association of Gerontology and Association for the welfare of the Retired Persons Islamabad have been established for the welfare of old age people, however, these organizations have not been succeeded more to improve the health of the aged population because of financial and other limitations. Though a few number of Old Age Homes established but unfortunately these homes cannot adequately accommodate the huge number of elderly populations. Blissfully, some volunteer organizations and philanthropists are doing good for providing with free services to vulnerable and dependent elderly people. But, it is not enough to pacify the mounting ailing and vulnerable old age persons.
In the nutshell ageing cohort also need psychological, emotional, social and recreational facilities and services like the youth bulk does. They should be cared and supported at this stage and will be given all possible treatment and nutrition besides above mentioned requirements. Moreover, for ageing world the Activity theory communicates that activities in life do lead to healthy life. In this respect, the greater engagement of elderly people with the community and society definitely increase life satisfaction and consequently greater well-being in the older. Furthermore, the Continuity theory contends that the elderly people should continue their previous work and profession which could give them guarantee of healthy and happy life. Similarly, the Disengagement theory argues that withdrawing from the previous role in the middle age is leading the people to vulnerable consequences. Thus, it is advised that the elders must engage in some activity to live healthy and cheerful life.
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