Older persons, generally those who are over 60 years, play an invaluable role in all societies. But they face a variety of challenges in today’s society, being vulnerable to discrimination (ageism), abuse, neglect and violence. The world must focus on this, because one out of every 10 persons is now 60 years or older.
By 2050, one of five will be 60 years or older; by 2150, it will be one out of three persons. Globally, the proportion of persons aged 60 years and older is expected to double between 2020 and 2050, to 21 percent.
The proportion of children is projected to drop by a third, from 30 to 21 percent. The global population aged 60 years or over numbered 962 million in 2017, more than twice as large as in 1980 when there were 382 million older persons worldwide. The number of older persons is expected to double again by 2050, when it is projected to reach nearly 2.1 billion.
In certain developed and developing countries, the number of older persons already exceeds the number of children. In some developed countries, the number of older persons will be more than twice that of children by 2050. The fastest growing group of the older population is the “oldest old” that is, those who are 80 years or more. There are some villages in Italy and Japan which have a fairly high number of people over 100.
In fact, there are suggestions that people will live up to 150-160 years within the next 100 years thanks to advances in medical care and even ‘bionic’ devices such as artificial hearts (The maximum limit today is generally believed to be 120 years). It is believed that the first person to reach 150 years has already been born somewhere in the world. Thus ageing has to be taken even more seriously by Governments and societies.
Paradoxically, more people are dying ‘young’ - at around 50 or 60 years due to factors such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and lung disease. Earlier, this trend was apparent only in developed countries, but with rapid development, countries with emerging economies are also facing the same problem. Studies on longevity (and even immortality which might one day be possible) must necessarily address this issue, along with viable medical solutions.
Unfortunately, some young people in developing countries do not even live up to five years, leave alone old age. Diseases which are easily preventable and curable claim millions of lives of infants and young children every year, especially in the poorest parts of the world. They too will live to a ripe old age if the world can get together to prevent and cure these maladies. A fraction of the annual cumulative defence spending of rich countries can put this right.
Elders should have all the rights enjoyed by others, but there are 18 Principles agreed upon by UN Member States, framed as 18 entitlements that older persons “must have”.
Five areas
They are organised into five areas relating to the status of older persons: independence; participation; care; self-fulfillment; and dignity. Under Independence, the UN specifies that Older persons should have: access to adequate food, water, shelter, clothing and healthcare through the provision of income, family and community support and self-help; the opportunity to work or to have access to other income- generating opportunities; an opportunity to participate in determining when and at what pace withdrawal from the labour force takes place; access to appropriate educational and training programs; environments that are safe and adaptable to personal preferences and changing capacities; an opportunity to reside at home for as long as possible.
(The last one is especially appropriate at a time when children in many societies try to send their parents to homes for the aged).
While many countries have made impressive achievements with regard to the welfare of older citizens vis-à-vis the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), more needs to be done. For example, in many countries older persons have benefited from reduced rates of poverty and hunger, improved access to medicines and health services, and greater education and work opportunities. There are many physically non-demanding jobs that can be performed by those over 60.
The United Nations has called for granting universal access to social services; increasing the number and worth of pension plans; and creating laws and policies that prevent age and gender discrimination in the workplace.
But Governments alone cannot be expected to handle the challenges posed by an ageing population, the so-called ‘Silver Generation’. The society does have a major role to play in looking after the elders.
We must care for and show respect to our elders, be they religious dignitaries, parents, teachers, grandparents or elderly relatives. Indeed, any elderly person deserves our care and respect. These values must be inculcated in the minds of children, who will one day become elders. Religious leaders have a special role in this regard.
Our social institutions must be strengthened to raise care levels for elderly citizens. Fulfilling the physical, psychological and emotional needs of elders is the key to keeping them healthy and happy. Neglecting these basics could lead to various physical ailments, psychological and emotional disorders and even death in some cases. Elders need attention and care at all times.
Collective approach
This is not only in physical terms (gifts, food and accommodation) but also in terms of ‘quality time’. We must spare time for the elderly, share their happiness and woes and look into their concerns.
Remember, we will all be elders one day. How will today’s younger generation treat us if we do not treat our elders properly?
It is only through such a basic approach that we could collectively fulfill the noble goals espoused by the global community with regard to elders. Today, elders can lead dignified lives thanks to better social care, medical facilities, opportunities for self-enhancement and many other factors. They can and do make a huge contribution to the world we live in - the world needs their guidance, acumen and wisdom. And that will happen only if we care for them, for life.