Question

Answer the following question in detail (in 150-200 words).

Describe the problems of ageing and suggest measures to solve them.

Answer the following question in detail in about 150-200 words:

Explain any five problems faced by the ageing population and suggest measures to solve those problems.

Answer 1

1. Problems of Ageing:
   1. Health concerns: As one ages, various parts of the body deteriorate. There could be physiological problems related to bones, hearing, vision, etc. There are also mental health issues revolving around feelings of alienation, dissatisfaction, disappointment, and anxiety.
   2. Loneliness: There is a sense of being neglected by family and neighbourhood. Loneliness is particularly relevant in the case of people who are single, without children and isolated. Loss of a spouse and inability to do things which one was capable of previously add to loneliness. There are instances of the elderly being thrown out of homes.
   3. Severe abuse: Sometimes elderly people are forced to do all kinds of work and subjected to cruelty, abuse, mockery, and harassment. There are instances of physical abuse and domestic violence. At times, elderly people are also seen begging for assistance.
   4. Economic insecurity: Not all elderly people have pensions to meet their daily and medical needs. Many of them are fully or partially dependent on their families for financial support.
   5. Lack of empathy: Family members and relatives tend to address problems of the elderly from their own vested perspectives. The youth and carers may also fail to understand their problems. They may use coercive methods in dealing with the elderly.
   6. Mental health issues: Anxiety and depression are significant among the elderly. There could also be a sense of guilt, a tendency to feel that one is a burden on one’s family, friends and relatives. 
   7. Absence of adequate health care: There may not be facilities for the treatment of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), incontinence, invalidity, and concerns like Schizophrenia, Bipolarity, Depression and loss of self-esteem.
   8. Lack of old age homes: Old age homes for the elderly are woefully inadequate. Even if they exist, they may not be affordable. Many shelters for the elderly lack basic amenities or are impersonal. 
   9. Weaker sections: It includes elderly people who belong to the weaker sections, such as women, LGBT, and disabled people. The identity of being a single woman and disabled becomes a huge barrier, especially when carers are not available.
   10. Exploitation: The elderly may become victims of exploitation, especially when they are increasingly dependent on others for all kinds of services.
2. Measures to solve the problems of ageing:
   1. Government Role: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is responsible for developing policies and implementing programs to care for the elderly. They accomplish this through collaboration with state governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and civil society.
   2. Policy: The National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) was announced in Quran 1999 to address the issue of the well-being of older people. This program includes the provision of shelter, support, healthcare facilities, and protection for the most vulnerable groups.
   3. Role of NGOs: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have made major contributions to addressing the problem of the elderly in India. For example, help Age India. Harmony India, the Dignity Foundation, etc.
   4. Education's role: Schools can raise awareness about the concerns of the elderly, ageing, and senior citizens through community service, projects, outreach programmes, socially helpful productive activities, and NSS.
   5. Role of Family: Parents and relatives play an important role in creating a suitable environment within the home, one that is enriching and enabling and instills respect and value for the elderly, as well as regard for their wisdom, by involving them in activities within the home, neighbourhood, and community at large.