In the case of ensuring social and
emotional security for elders, India has a long way to go. Although elders make
up a sizeable chunk of the Indian population, there is nothing much done for
their welfare. There is no system to take care of them during the sunset years
of their lives. As such, in most cases, they are left to fend for themselves.
Whatever little welfare schemes and
measures are in place, seldom reach the beneficiaries. This is mainly due to the
apathy of the establishment. The fact that most of the elders are unaware of
their rights also contributes to their dismal condition in the country. As a result, the extended lifespan, which should
have been a blessing, is now another factor that adds to their woes.
Below are some of the common difficulties
faced by the older persons in India. These can be discussed broadly as under:
Health and care
The absence of dependable physical and
mental health care availability is the most common difficulties faced by the
older people in India. In addition, the lack of community and social care for
the elderly makes their lives difficult. They face many health and nutritional
problems due to lack of proper support from all quarters.
Income and housing
Although the lifespan of people has
increased, it has created problems for the elders in the form of less or nil
employment opportunities. As on grow old, transportation, housing and income (or
lack of it) are major concerns. Many of the senior citizens are forced to live
under inhumane living conditions.
Social networks and customs
As a society, Indians place a lot of
importance on traditions and customs. As a result, the elders are often forced
to keep up the social interaction with family and friends. Elders without
families face social alienation and may end up depressed and lonely.
Furthermore, the customs and beliefs prevalent in the society also put a limit
to their aspirations and ambitions. Fitting into the predetermined pattern of
living – like the thought that once you are old, you shouldn’t concern yourself
with what is going on around you or that one should say his prayers and sit in
a corner minding his own business - could be difficult for an elderly who was
active in his early life. Under such circumstances, he could even lose the will
to live.
Other concerns
There are many more problems like lack of educational
access and opportunities, the absence of leisure opportunities, harassment from
family members because of money, dependability on others, lack of information
on the rights and privileges and the like. Lack of societal and family support is one of
the leading reasons for increasing incidents of crime against elderly in India.
Solution
There is no single solution for these
problems. However, an empathetic family and society can make a huge, positive
change in the lives of the elderly. In addition to this, the government and the
administration should take senior citizen friendly measures to improve their
quality of life.
Until that change happens eventually, you
may have to hire the services of special caregivers like NRIServicefirst to take care of the
elderly, especially if you are an NRI.
