Context:

The ageing phenomenon stands as one of the most notable experiences of the 21st century, characterized by remarkable improvements in human longevity alongside declining birth rates. While the increasing number of elderly individuals might seem daunting, it prompts a reevaluation of how we perceive ageing—not solely as a matter of age, but as a complex interplay of factors related to longevity and the vulnerabilities that accompany it.

·        As India experiences a significant demographic change with an increasingly ageing population, addressing the rights and well-being of older individuals has become more urgent. The growing number of seniors presents both opportunities and challenges for society and the government. It is essential to protect their dignity, rights, and quality of life, ensuring that they are treated with respect and compassion in their later years.

·        Recognizing these important issues, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India recently held a national conference on the 'Rights of Older Persons' to mark its 31st Foundation Day. This conference aimed to discuss the various challenges facing older citizens, including financial insecurity, healthcare disparities, and social isolation. By gathering experts and advocates, the conference highlighted the importance of comprehensive policies and the effective implementation of existing laws to ensure that older persons are not only respected but also empowered to contribute meaningfully to society.

Current Demographics and Health Status of the Elderly in India:

·        The projected elderly population in India is estimated to reach 319 million by mid-century, growing by around 3% per year. This group will be predominantly female, with a sex ratio of 1,065 females per 1,000 males. Alarmingly, 54% of elderly women are expected to be widows, and rural areas will house the majority of this population.

·        The health status of the elderly is concerning, with a quarter reporting poor health. Chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and cancer, pose significant threats to their well-being. Mental health issues are also on the rise, with 20% of those over 45 reporting depression-related ailments.

Vulnerabilities of the Elderly in India:

In the Indian context, the elderly face four significant vulnerabilities:

1.    Restrictions in Activities of Daily Living: Many elderly individuals encounter limitations in performing daily tasks, directly impacting their quality of life.

2.    Multi-morbidity: Chronic health issues plague the elderly population, with 75% suffering from one or more chronic diseases. A concerning statistic is that 25% of the elderly report poor health, higher than the 20% among those aged 45 and above.

3.    Poverty: Approximately 20% of the elderly live in poverty and lack any form of income, necessitating urgent social security measures.

4.    Social Isolation: The changing family dynamics, including smaller household sizes, contribute to increased isolation among the elderly.

According to the Longitudinal Ageing Survey of India (LASI, 2017-18), these vulnerabilities are experienced by about 20% of the elderly population, with notable variations across different states.

Food Insecurity and Awareness of Welfare Provisions:

·        Food insecurity is another pressing concern, affecting 6% of individuals aged over 45, who either consume smaller portions or skip meals. Awareness of welfare provisions is alarmingly low, with only 12% of elderly individuals aware of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and just 28% familiar with various benefits available to them. Schemes such as IGNOAPS, IGNWPS, and Annapurna also suffer from limited recognition.

The Need for Protection and Social Agency:

·        The vulnerabilities faced by the elderly often lead to various forms of abuse, with 5% reporting mistreatment, particularly among women in rural areas. To combat these issues, a movement toward creating social agency for the elderly is essential. Innovative institutions can be established to change societal perceptions of the elderly from liabilities to valuable assets.

Familial Transition and Elderly Accommodation:

·        The rising elderly population is closely linked to familial transitions, including a reduction in average household size. This shift highlights the importance of understanding how elderly individuals are accommodated within households. Instances of multiple elderly individuals living together are becoming more common, resulting in unique challenges related to dependence, care provision, social security, and financial protection.

Future Elderly: Opportunities and Challenges:

·        When contrasting today’s elderly with those of tomorrow, we can anticipate both advantages and adversities. Future elderly individuals may benefit from better education, life preparation, and economic independence. However, they may also face challenges related to health and quality of living due to the prevalence of long-term chronic ailments.

·        The concept of "healthy ageing" should not only focus on the current elderly population but also on the prospective elderly, emphasizing the need for health-promoting measures among late-age adults. Although limitations in daily activities show a worsening trend with age, there is hope that these limitations will be postponed to later stages of life for future generations.

Strategies for Addressing Elderly Challenges:

To effectively address the challenges faced by the elderly population, several strategies must be implemented:

1.    Promoting Financial Independence: It is crucial to encourage preparations for financial independence, ensuring that elderly individuals can enjoy healthy, active, and productive lives as they age.

2.    Empowering the Elderly: There is a pressing need to empower this vulnerable group socially. Establishing new types of institutions that value the elderly as assets rather than burdens can facilitate this change.

3.    Prioritizing Active Lifestyles: Given ongoing changes such as youth mobility, digitalization of services, and social exclusion, prioritizing an active life for future elderly individuals is imperative. This vision can be encapsulated in the acronym "Equip Life," which emphasizes dreams, energy, renewal, longing, and yearning.

Conclusion:

The demographic shift towards an ageing population in India presents both challenges and opportunities. By recognizing the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly and implementing comprehensive policies, society can work towards ensuring that older individuals are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. The road ahead requires collective effort, awareness, and a commitment to empowering the elderly, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to society.