International Day for the Elderly is celebrated on October 1 every year. The day is celebrated by raising awareness about issues affecting the elderly, such as senescence and elder abuse. It is also a day to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society.
Senior citizens carry a lot of responsibility on their shoulders as leaders of the society. They also carry the traditions, culture of the society and pass on the knowledge to the younger generation. However, older people are also highly vulnerable, with many falling into poverty, facing health issues or discrimination. The issues being so serious calls for urgent action by all stakeholders as otherwise all of us might face a catastrophic situation. Political parties as representatives of people are one of the most important and influential stakeholders to facilitate steps to be taken for remedial actions. These parties should take lead in terms of reforms that are needed for creating an ambience conducive for “happy ageing for elders”.
India needs to take a serious look at the needs of the elderly in a more pragmatic and holistic manner. It could focus on the three key aspects of health, housing, and dignity. Each of this is a large issue on its own, but it is important to first strengthen the healthcare system. It is crucial to encourage research in geriatric diseases, and push for building capacity in the geriatric departments across the primary and tertiary health-care systems. The growing informal industry of home care providers, which urgently needs regulation and mandated guidelines so that a large pool of certified and affordable trained home care giver can help provide basic support, prevent unnecessary hospital admissions, and keep the elderly in the familiar environs of their homes as far as possible.
The traditionally supportive social structures are fast changing and the elderly are thus increasingly losing their ‘status’ as the family patriarchs.
In the community as well, we need to increase the avenues for older people to participate in local issues, in resident associations, set up and manage spaces for community interaction, to leverage their experience as a resource, give them an opportunity to share their concerns, and to help them feel that they contribute socially and have a purpose in life.
Apart from appropriate medical attention, there needs to be more awareness about common degenerative diseases like dementia so that family members, care-givers, and society at large are sensitised to incontinence, the momentary lack of comprehension, the hallucinations all the painful behavioural, physical, emotional and mental struggles of those who suffer from these diseases.
The basic paradigm of “aging gracefully” has been neglected and cases of elder abuse are on the rise. By making “elder issues” a part of agenda on the manifestos of political parties will go a long way in creating awareness about plethora of issues and problems faced by seniors in our society. Political parties are expected to represent interest of all segments of society; this includes seniors as well.
