A world I want to see as an older person

I have seen older persons being made to take early retirement, either because they are unable to step up to the changing workplace or there are young and qualified young individuals, who the workplaces feel will add fresh perspectives. As also, there is stereotyping older persons as not suitable on account of perceived notions of age-related physical changes, challenges in keeping pace with rapidly evolving technologies, slower processing speed often misconstrued as signs of diminished capability. When I retired at the age of 58 (yes, 58 was the age in my bank) I felt I had a lot more left in me to contribute and learn, but I didn't get much of a choice, after retirement. So, I chose to do the next best thing and that is writing books, podcasting and content writing. Even so, if suitable opportunities had been available for me, I am sure I would have been able to address any limitations and contribute much more to the workplace and the society. 

A world I want to see as an older person - Hira Mehta 

According to me, older persons like me, have the best experience of working with diverse people and in changing work environments. Given a chance older persons can continue to contribute to society and add value. The society can also benefit from utilizing our skills and experience, if not in the corporate world, that suffers from the "age" syndrome, then maybe in other fields, such as education and training. While it is said age is never an issue, I still see it is a stumbling block in most professions and a barrier. The truth is that most older persons, like me, are still mentally and physically fit and prepared to work, but opportunities are few and sometimes difficult to find. There are many like me, who are continuing to seek gainful opportunities and then there are a number of older people who are happily retired and are enjoying their silver years. Then there is also that expectation from the children, emotionally drains older persons, especially when they are expected to look after grandkids after retirement, which can’t be overlooked. There still exists lack adequate job opportunities for those who want to continue to work, not to mention financial support, retirement benefits, inadequate social security and pensions for older persons. Unfortunately, our society is yet to recognize this as a social problem enough to promote age-friendly opportunities, environments and support.  

In every aspect of life there are pros and cons. I have realised that with the advent of social media, there has been a great deal of connectivity, but there is also lack of face-to-face communication, leading to social isolation and disconnection from society for some of my peers. Children are moving away from the homes to make their own nests, so the lack of social security or retirement benefits, the dependency on others for their care and daily needs or their own physical and mental health issues is becoming an issue for older persons. This is resulting in older persons being vulnerable to scams, abuse and with no one to care for their health and daily needs and it has been seen to lead on to issues like depression and loneliness. The family is still one of the biggest support systems for older people in India with around 82% of older people living with their families and yet prevalence of elder abuse in India ranges between 9.6% to 61.7% over different states. Financial inadequacy and issues such as inheritance or property disputes result in elder abuse cases. Most older people do not have access to legal assistance to safeguard their property rights, or protection for abuse related issues. Emotional support and guidance for such cases is also not easily available, either. Authorities, companies, societies still need to recognize and address health needs and safety needs of older persons to ensure that they can age with respect, inclusion, support and without any fear. Governments need to strengthen social welfare programs such as adequate pensions, legal support, health and financial schemes to ensure economic stability and reduced dependency on children. Studies have shown that regular physical and mental activity such as yoga, art of living, meditation is helping older persons. However, in urban India, there is a lack of open spaces, infrastructure, safe spaces, transport inaccessibility and access to such places. Rural India does have open spaces, but here there are other issues more important such as nutrition, awareness and education to manage first. 

As an older person, I want to see a world where workplaces and society offer good health services, social inclusion with opportunities for older persons to allow them to continue contributing their expertise, without being judged by their age. A world that allows me and all older persons, the independence to live on my own terms and with dignity at home and in society.  I see a range of tailor-made social activities and learning opportunities suited to my interests and abilities and being allowed to engage in enriching the lives of the next-gen with my years of experience and expertise. Retirement savings and pension plans, that adequately support the financial needs that ensure that older persons can afford a comfortable lifestyle without worry or stress is so necessary.  As we grow older, in making a good life for our families, we seem to forgot about living life and planning for old age and keep pushing it for later. I see older persons no longer burdened by responsibilities and demanding careers, with that dread of "what do I do now?". I remember, that I did not get the work I wanted after retirement and feeling lost for long. I see myself owning my lifestyle my way. I see some of my peers, perhaps starting businesses from home, enjoying their silver years volunteering or even running marathons. Let me share that I participated in marathons for many years, but today I can't even walk half a kilometre, let alone run, without looking for a place to sit down a while and I am sure if a dog were to run after me, I would get bitten for sure. I have 60+ girl friends who are enjoying 35 kms runs every morning and rightfully boasting about it on their social media pages and all I do is hit that 'like' button and move on. Even so, I see a world, where I have the right to choose what is best for me, without the comparisons and the comfort of getting to do it and looking forward to more without older persons like me, being stereotyped as not capable or suitable on account of age-related perceived notions. Older persons, like me, should feel safe and secure in their homes and neighbourhoods, with good support systems in place to address any concerns or emergencies promptly and with technologies seamlessly integrated empowering them to stay connected to society, family and friends. 

Let me end with this sharing. My father-in-law, a heart patient with loss of sight in one eye and half vision in the other for over ten years of his 99-year-old life, never stopped him from living life on his terms and following his heart. Despite uneven roads, traffic woes, he would walk to the temple ground close to home, meet his friends and return home with goodies for us. His memory never failed him and the stories he told, the songs he sang, the memories he shared embodied his entire being. Neither did it stop him from cooking meals for the family before I reached home, tired from work. I want to see myself living an independent life, just like he did, on my terms with good health, age-friendly environments, infrastructure, transportation, social inclusion and overall well-being support making it easy for me to live well.

By Hira Mehta | Author | Podcaster | Motivational Speaker | Soft Skills Trainer 

"A world I want to see as an older person with rights in my country and community. My thoughts at the Open-ended Working Group OEWG14, UN headquarters, New York, May'24" 

Caregiving and support for older persons

Learning and thoughts on Caregiving and Support for Older Persons at the Open-ended Working Group #OEWG14, UN headquarters, New York, 20th to 22nd May'24. 

Hira Mehta, official Spokesperson of Silver Inning Foundation at 14th OEWG, UN HQ, NYC, May'24 

Hira Mehta attended an in-person CSO Consultation on the implementation of Human Rights Council resolution on care and support during #OEWG14 on Ageing Rights for older persons (9 am-12 pm, 23 May 2024) at the UN Secretariat Building, UNHQ, New York as representative of Silver Inning Foundation. The meeting was chaired by Asako Hattori and moderated by Martyna Balciunaite, UN official. The topic of discussions were (1) what human rights are relevant for older persons as caregivers and receivers of care and support and (2) what are the specific challenges and rights issues faced by older persons facing discrimination in the context of providing or receiving care and support (older women, older persons with disability, older persons belonging to minorities, etc).

At this meeting, Hira spoke about Dementia and Alzheimer’s and grandparenting responsibilities, especially for women.

Most agreed with her thought that, grandparenting should be a choice and not an expected support. In urban India, the extended family living under one roof is not a given anymore and today's nuclear structure, means more expectations from older persons. In our culture, the role of the grandparent is perceived as a role to teach traditions, moral values, religious values and overseeing their well-being and more. Some older persons find themselves moving abroad every six months to look after the grand kids. While some easily adapt to a new place and society, others find it difficult to leave the old ways and find it difficult to adjust. The choice is often not given and that could cause a great deal of issues for older persons in the household.

Speaking about caregiving, Hira suggested that dementia be included in the disability package of health and health services as an essential, for providing comprehensive support, ensuring access to necessary medical and social services and alleviating the financial burden on families affected by dementia. Dementia causes significant cognitive impairment, affecting memory, reasoning, communication, and the ability to perform daily tasks. This aligns with the definition of disability as a condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities. She also mentioned that most of the time families treat it as old age issues and are unable to recognize it as dementia. Some are not willing to accept the fact and therefore early diagnose takes a back seat resulting in delay of treatment. Treating it as a disability will not only improve the quality of life for those with dementia, but also support the family and caregivers to deal with it effectively. Cost of care is high and dementia care will be expensive, with regard to medical treatments, long-term care services and out-of-pocket expenses. As dementia progresses, individuals will experience functional decline and require assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and managing medications. Individuals with dementia require regular attention and medical care to manage symptoms, monitor progression and treat comorbidity conditions. Long-term care is involved and many individuals with dementia will eventually need long-term care services, such as in-home care, adult day programs, assisted living, or nursing home care. Therefore, Hira requested that dementia be part of the disability package of health and health services, so that integrating it into disability packages will ensure that persons with dementia receive the support and care they need.

Irrespective of health and health services, governments and authorities should conduct public awareness campaigns to educate the public about dementia. It would help raise awareness about dementia, reduce stigma, and promote advocacy for better care and support services. Governments and health organizations also should develop policies that explicitly recognize dementia as a disability and outline the entitlements and services available. The society and community also need to support by expanding community-based support groups, adult day care centres and care programs.

UN 14th OEWG May'24 

One of the sharing that hit Hira hard at this meeting, was the sharing of a lady from the Far East. Belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, she talked about the stigma and discrimination, especially if institutionalized in the past or after having overcome mental issues, including anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. Support groups are limited in number and despite increasing visibility and acceptance world over, social stigma and discrimination continue to impact her well-being. She called for attention towards continued efforts needed to ensure comprehensive legal protections, improve access to competent healthcare and combat social stigma and discrimination.

 Assisted living or Elder homes, is an option and respite for family caregivers, who need assistance during times of illness or travel or their own job constraints. Family members may get peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are receiving professional care and support in a safe and nurturing environment. Sadly, sometimes, older persons are not questioned about their preferences. Besides, older persons, may become vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, or neglect by caregivers and sometimes financially exploited too, if family does not pay attention or visit often enough. The 24/7 care by trained staff, helps ensure that older persons with complex medical needs or mobility issues receive the assistance they require. Dependence on caregivers for activities of daily living, the lack of mental stimulation and engagement in institutional settings, however, can accelerate cognitive decline, particularly for individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments. Older persons are at increased risk of experiencing depression, anxiety and other mental health issues with the loss of personal belongings and comfort, independence, social isolation and changes in assisted living environment with the limited privacy and loss of personal space. Financial burdens, particularly in places where long-term care services are expensive or not covered by insurance, often become the reason for home treatments for some families. High costs of care whether at home or assisted living option, can deplete the savings and assets, impacting financial status of the family. While institutionalization may be necessary for some older persons who require intensive care or support, it can have significant implications on mental health and quality of life.

In conclusion, caregiving is an essential aspect of an older person’s life cycle and therefore, it is necessary to continue raising awareness about the realities of caregiving and its cost. Advocating for policies that provide adequate support and resources, whether it is through community programs, government initiatives, or individual acts of kindness is important. There is a need to create a more compassionate and supportive environment, to ensure that both caregivers and care recipients receive the required assistance and resources.

~  Hira Mehta | Author | Podcaster | Motivational Speaker | Soft Skills Trainer

Silver Inning Foundation Oral Statement for UN 14th OEWG on Ageing

Hira Mehta - Spokesperson of Silver Inning Foundation presenting Oral Statement at UN 14th OEWG

 I am Hira Mehta from Silver Inning Foundation, an NGO working with older persons across India. 

In India, 149 million older persons are in 60 plus age group belonging to diverse cultures. More than 65% live in rural area and 90% have no social security. Most of the older persons depend on the family support system. Today, changing values are weakening inter-generational ties that is hallmark of our traditional family institution. 

At age of 58, I was mentally and physically fit, but I had to retire without choice. This left me feeling socially isolated, lost and disturbed for a long time, because I felt I was capable of more. Today, with meager 14$ pension per month, I struggle to live decent life and find it difficult to access and afford right health care.   

Challenges that are significantly influencing older persons’ right to health are unavailability of healthcare facilities and services, lack of awareness, education, early detection and prevention, as also socio-economic factors, such as disparities between urban and rural lifestyle. 

As Older Person I want to ‘Age with Rights’ to maintain healthy well-being with dignity. Therefore, multi-faceted approach with robust healthcare policies, increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, access, affordability and prioritization of preventive healthcare is required. More importantly, expansion of health insurance coverage for all older persons is also needed.  

India, has sizable population of persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Illiteracy and social taboos surround this disease, I must admit that for a long time, even I did not know the difference between age related and dementia related issues. Hence, there is a strong need for awareness campaigns, training, well-defined policy and national dementia plan.  

We align with the statement made by ‘Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People’, a ‘UN Convention for Older Person Rights’ would guarantee older persons’ access to affordable healthcare to help them maintain optimum level of physical, mental and emotional well-being and prevent or delay the onset of illness, to live life with dignity and self-fulfilment. 

Date 20th May'24 

Photo of Civil Society Group at UN 14th OEWG on Ageing

The 14th session of the UN Open-ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWG) was held between 20-24th May 2024 in New York. It is a critical time for civil society to maintain pressure for the adoption of a United Nations' Convention on the rights of older people. 

Silver Inning Foundation Statement for UN 14th OEWG on Ageing

 The 14th session of the UN Open-ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWG) was held between 20-24th May 2024 in New York. It is a critical time for civil society to maintain pressure for the adoption of a United Nations' Convention on the rights of older people. 

On behalf of Silver Inning Foundation Ms. Hira Mehta - official Spokesperson and Ms. Ramaa Subramaniam Co Founder of Silver Inning Foundation participated in this esteem global meet. 

Silver Inning Foundation submitted this following official statement for The 14th session of the UN Open-ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWG) :  https://social.un.org/ageing-working-group/documents/fourteenth%20session/INPUTS%20NGOS/Silver%20Inning%20Foundation.pdf

Date 9th April’24

The Chair, 

Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing on Ageing

14th General Assembly, May’ 24

United Nations

New York

Statement of Silver Inning Foundation for Fourteenth Session of Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWG) on Ageing on “Right to health and access to health services”

Indian society is undergoing rapid transformation under the impact of industrialization, urbanization, technical & technological change, Education and globalization.  

Consequently, the traditional values and institutions are in the Process of erosion and adaptation, resulting in the weakening of Intergenerational ties that were the hallmark of the traditional Family, this has great impact on older persons.

Senior citizens in India is a person who is 60plus and they belong to diverse groups. Consequently, the ageing issues are also different and a lot depends on the family support system the older persons enjoy. The heterogeneity among the older persons population must be factored into framing appropriate models of care for them.³

As per the latest report, there were 149 million persons aged 60 years and above in 2022 (as of 1 July) ² comprising around 10.5% of the country's population. And, by 2050, this population will double to 20.8%, with the absolute number at 347 million.

The right to health is a fundamental right that ensures individuals have access to necessary healthcare services and a state of well-being. In India, the recognition and implementation of the right to health have evolved over time through constitutional provisions, legal frameworks, and judicial interpretations. ¹

Challenges in Realizing the Right to Health: ¹

• Healthcare Infrastructure: Inadequate healthcare infrastructure in rural and remote areas, shortages of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and qualified healthcare professionals.

 • Affordability: The high cost of healthcare services, including diagnostics, medications, and treatments.

 • Regional Disparities: There are significant regional disparities in healthcare access, with rural areas and certain states facing greater challenges in terms of availability and quality of healthcare services.

 • Health Awareness and Education: Limited health awareness and inadequate health education among the population hinder preventive healthcare measures and early detection of diseases.

 • Social Determinants of Health: Socio-economic factors, such as poverty, education, sanitation, and access to clean water, significantly influence health outcomes.

 • Gender Disparities: Gender discrimination and biases often result in unequal access to healthcare services for women, particularly in reproductive health.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving robust healthcare policies, increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, prioritization of preventive healthcare, expansion of health insurance coverage, and targeted interventions to address health disparities and social determinants of health.¹

Government Initiatives and Public Health Programs ¹

The Indian government some notable public health programs to promote the right to health and improve healthcare accessibility across the country:

National Health Mission (NHM): The NHM is one of the flagship programs of the Indian government aimed at improving healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved areas. It encompasses two sub-missions: the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, enhancing human resources for health, promoting maternal and child health, addressing communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): is a health insurance program launched in 2018. It provides financial protection to over 500 million vulnerable individuals and families by offering cashless coverage for secondary and tertiary healthcare services.

Recommendations¹

•           Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure: Increase investment in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural. 

•           Enhancing Primary Healthcare: Strengthening primary healthcare services for comprehensive and preventive care.

•           Addressing Health Disparities: To address regional and socio-economic disparities in healthcare access and affordability.  

•           National Dementia Strategy: Need for national policy with a very clear and well defined action plan since India has a sizeable population of Alzheimer's disease affected people and certain traits like illiteracy and social taboos make the country unique.

•           Universal Health Coverage: Universal health coverage by expanding health insurance schemes to all 60plus

•           Focus on Preventive Healthcare: Prioritizing preventive healthcare measures, health education, vaccination campaigns, and early detection of diseases.

 

Conclusion: The right to health is a fundamental right in India, enshrined in the Constitution and supported by legal frameworks, judicial interpretations, and landmark court judgments. While progress has been made in promoting healthcare access and improving public health, challenges remain in fully realizing the right to health especially for the older persons.

We at Silver Inning Foundation strongly advocate and demand ‘UN Convention for Older Person Rights’ so that older persons can have access to healthcare to help them maintain or regain the optimum level of physical, mental and emotional well-being and to prevent or delay the onset of illness and Live life with dignity and self-fulfillment.

 

Reference:

¹The Right to Health as a Fundamental Right in India: JETIR June 2023, Volume 10, Issue 6 https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2306301.pdf

 ² UNPFA INDIA AGEING REPORT 2023 https://india.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/20230926_india_ageing_report_2023_web_version_.pdf

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Sailesh Mishra, Founder President, Silver Inning Foundation

President of India presents the National Awards Vayoshreshtha Samman 2015 #SeniorCitizens

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today presented National Awards “Vayoshreshtha Samman” to senior citizens in a function organized by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment here today.  Highlighting the role of the Older Persons in the society, Shri Mukherjee said that the International Day of Older Persons is an occasion to focus renewed attention on issues relating to the older people.  There is a need to sensitize various strata of the society towards the challenges being faced by the elderly people, he emphasized.

Stressing on the due care of the senior citizens through various socio economic measure, the President said that the Indian tradition of respecting and caring for elders has been passed on from generations.  “We must not let this socio-cultural asset of our wither away.  Facilities to provide institutional care to needy elderly persons must be established in sufficient numbers”.  Shri Mukherjeee said in the backdrop of changing socio-economic conditions, the effectiveness and efficacy of these laws have to be evaluated.


On the occasion Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment said that the Government has taken a number of initiatives for the welfare of senior citizens. Programmes and Policies are being reframed with this purpose.  He said that the National Awards are intended to show case the Government’s concern for senior citizens and its commitment towards them with the aim of strengthening their legitimate place in the society.


Welcoming the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee and the Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot.  Shri Vijay Sampla, MoS, SJE said that the Awards showcase the Government’s concern for senior citizens and its commitment towards them with the aim of strengthening their place in the society and encourage their outstanding contribution for the welfare the senior citizens.

The National Awards for senior citizen – Vaysohreshtha Samman are presented every year.  Following were the awardees for the year 2015.

Category of National Award	Name of the Institution/individual
Best Institution for providing services to senior citizens and awareness generation	1.      Gram Vikas Parisha, Vill. Rangaloo, Jumarmur. 2.      Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni, Tahata.
Best District Panchayat in providing services and facilities to senior citizens.	1.      Zilla panchayat Dindori, Dindori, MP. 2.      Udupi Zilla Panchayath, Manipal, Karnataka.
Centenarian	1.      Shri uday Singh Maan, Lowa Kalan, Jhajjar, Haryana.
Iconic Mother	1.      Smt. Laduben alias Leelaben Chaabildas Gurjar, Thakkar-Bapa Colony, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Life Time Achievement	1.      Shri Yashwant Narayan Kadam, Vijaynagar Colony, Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

Present on the occasion were Shri Vijay Sampla, MoS, SJE, Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, MoS, SJE, Smt. Anita Agnihotri, Secretary, SJE on other senior officials of the Ministry.


Source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=0

Well-being of older persons mandated in the Constitution of India: Vice President

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that the well-being of older persons has been mandated in the Constitution of India. He was addressing the International Day of Older Persons organized by the Helpage India, here today.

Shri M. Hamid Ansari said that Census statistics show that India has a youthful population, with over half the Indians being below the age of 35 but the fact often overlooked is that with increasing life expectancy, India is fast graying and that we have a large number of elderly- a growing and vulnerable segment which the society seem woefully ill equipped to manage.

The Vice President stated that the Indian society is undergoing rapid transformation under the impact of industrialization, urbanization and globalization and the traditional values and institutions are changing. As nuclear families become the norm, the family based social safety nets are no longer adequate and the transition from rural, agrarian set-up to urban, industrial way of life, migration from villages to cities and increasingly, abroad, forces the younger generation to leave their elders alone back home, he added. He opined that the finances are stretched as healthcare becomes expensive. The Vice President said that efforts should also be made for enhancing the productivity span of the elderly.

Shri M. Hamid Ansari said that we need a transformation in how we visualize and treat the elderly in our society. Health care services should be based on the felt needs of the elderly, which would involve a comprehensive baseline morbidity survey and functional assessment in health areas that are perceived to be important to them, he added. He further added that education, training and information needs of older persons will also have to be met. The thrust should be to identify the more vulnerable among the older persons - the poor, the disabled, the infirm, the chronically sick and those without family support, and provide welfare services to them on a priority basis, he opined.

The Vice President said that the non-governmental agencies need to be encouraged and assisted to organize services such as day care, multi-service citizen’s centres, outreach services, supply of disability related aids and appliances, short term stay services and friendly home visits by social workers.


Following is the text of the Vice President’s address:

“Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be,

Or so said English poet Robert Browning.

If one were to go by the TV portrayal of elderly in India, one could be forgiven to believe that the elderly in India are getting the all care and dignity they deserve by the younger generations. The reality, however, cannot be more different. Census statistics tells us that India has a youthful population, with over half the Indians being below the age of 35. What is often overlooked is that with increasing life expectancy, India is fast graying and that we have a large number of elderly- a growing and vulnerable segment which the government and the society seem woefully ill equipped to manage.

In India, as per the 2011 census, the population of senior citizens who are more than 60 years old, was 10.4 crore, which is 8.6 percent of the population. A report jointly brought out by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Help Age International says that by 2050 the number of elders will shoot up to 32.3 crore, constituting 20 percent of the total population. Many other countries are witnessing similar demographic change. But in India, the problem is compounded by two issues.

One, the Indian society is undergoing rapid transformation under the impact of industrialization, urbanization and globalization. Consequently, the traditional values and institutions are changing, resulting in the weakening of inter-generational ties that were the hallmark of the traditional family structure in India where the care of the elderly was a shared responsibility with the children taking care of their parents. As nuclear families become the norm, the family based social safety nets are no longer adequate. Transition from rural, agrarian set-up to urban, industrial way of life, migration from villages to cities and increasingly, abroad, forces the younger generation to leave their elders alone back home. Finances are stretched as healthcare becomes expensive.

The second issue is that nearly 90 percent of the elderly have worked in the informal sector and do not receive any post–retirement social security coverage, like pensions and medical assistance. They either continue to work beyond retirement age or suffer from neglect and alienation. The impact and reach of public social security infrastructure has remained limited and a large number of elderly have failed to benefit from the government schemes.

On the Global AgeWatch Index (GAWI) for 2014, India ranks 71st among the 96 countries. This when countries like Bolivia and Sri Lanka, which also have high poverty levels, rank much above India. The Government of India is duty bound to provide reliable, effective and easy to access care and assistance to the elderly.

Well-being of older persons has been mandated in the Constitution of India. Article 41, a Directive Principle of State Policy, provides that the State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right of public assistance in cases of old age. Social security has been made the concurrent responsibility of the Central and State Governments.

Maintenance of Parents is included in section 125 of Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 and also the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act 1956. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and senior Citizen Act, 2007, also known as “Senior Citizens Act” explicitly states that it should be the duty of the children to maintain their parents. The Act applies to all communities. The implementation of the Act, however, remains patchy.

The elderly in India face a range of challenges that include failing health, economic insecurity, isolation, lowered self-esteem, abuse, idleness and neglect. These specific set of problems require specialized response. There is a lack of infrastructure to provide the specialized attention to the growing numbers of elderly. Very few Government hospitals in India that have specialized geriatrics facilities. The off-take from Government schemes like the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) has also been poor.

The Mohini Giri Committee, set-up to review the implementation of the 1999 National Policy for the elderly, had suggested sweeping changes to the government policies and programmes to make benefits to elderly more widely and easily available. It advised special focus on elderly women and rural poor, and other disadvantaged seniors. It had also pointed out the lacunae in implementation of the existing schemes suggested remedial action. The recommendations became the backbone of the National Policy on Senior Citizens 2011.

The draft 12th Five Year plan had also identified some key action areas- including the setting up a National Commission for Senior Citizen; Establishment of Old Age Homes with integrated multi-facility centre in 640 districts and Health insurance for senior citizens. International experience shows a combination of welfare policies lead to healthy and quality life for the elderly. Even in the absence of a well-endowed economy, strong political will can do the job.

For example Bolivia, a country with resource constraints, ranks much higher than India in the global index for elderly care. The achievement can be linked to the government’s progressive policy for the elderly. In 2009, the Bolivian government rewrote the Constitution to include and guarantee the rights of elderly, who account for 10.4 percent of the country’s population.

While Government supported public social networks and safety nets are essential, we also need to look at how the elderly can continue contributing to the society longer. Government data shows that India’s old age dependency ratio is increasing. In order to reduce the pension bills to manageable levels, we must also look at enhancing the productivity span of the elderly.

The received wisdom is that a larger proportion of old people means slower growth and less savings. Some economists are, however, more optimistic, arguing that people will adapt and work longer. In some developed countries, the earlier views on retirement have undergone a change. Almost 20% of Americans aged over 65 are now in the labour force, compared with 13% in 2000. Nearly half of all Germans in their early 60s are employed today, compared with a quarter a decade ago.

New research on productivity of elder workers shows that while the older workers were as productive in similar tasks as their younger colleagues, they actually commanded a higher premium price in certain skill based jobs. The key factor is education and skill. Less-skilled workers often have manual jobs that get harder with age. Higher-skilled workers, on the other hand, tend to be paid more, which gives them an incentive to keep working. Training the elderly, providing quality health care and modifying the work environment helps in increasing the productivity term of the seniors.

An experiment by leading German carmaker, BMW at its plant in Dingolfing, as described in a 2010 Harvard Business Review article, threw up some interesting results. The company modified one of its production lines and staffed it by workers who were near or beyond retirement age. 70 small—mostly ergonomic—changes, such as adding barbershop chairs so workers can perform tasks sitting down and orthopedic shoes for comfort, were made to the “pensioner’s assembly lines” as it was called. The total investment in modifications was a paltry US $ 50,000. The changes led to an enhancement of productivity by 7%. The line thereafter has performed at par with other lines with younger workers.

History is full of examples, where the elderly have contributed fruitfully well into their twilight years. As the American poet Longfellow wrote -

‘Cato learned Greek at eighty; Sophocles            
Wrote his grand Œdipus, and Simonides      
Bore off the prize of verse from his compeers,        
When each had numbered more than fourscore years,        
And Theophrastus, at fourscore and ten,    
Had but begun his “Characters of Men.”            
Chaucer, at Woodstock with the nightingales,        
At sixty wrote the Canterbury Tales;
Goethe at Weimar, toiling to the last,          
Completed Faust when eighty years were past.’

We need a transformation in how we visualize and treat the elderly in our society. Health care services should be based on the felt needs of the elderly, which would involve a comprehensive baseline morbidity survey and functional assessment in health areas that are perceived to be important to them. Education, training and information needs of older persons will also have to be met. The thrust should be to identify the more vulnerable among the older persons - the poor, the disabled, the infirm, the chronically sick and those without family support, and provide welfare services to them on a priority basis.

Voluntary organizations, such as HelpAge India, need to be encouraged and assisted to organize services such as day care, multi-service citizen’s centres, outreach services, supply of disability related aids and appliances, short term stay services and friendly home visits by social workers. This is the least we need to ensure so that elderly can go through their twilight years with dignity, without having to fear that they will end up no longer counting for anything.

I once again thank the organizers, HelpAge India for inviting me to this event and wish them all the very best in their future endeavors.


Jai Hind.”

Source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=0 

The Promise of Prometheus – Golden Aging in Europe and Central Asia

In Greek mythology, the “Golden Age” referred to an idyllic period of peace and stability when people lived long, healthy, active, and prosperous lives. Prometheus, the Titan god of forethought, is said to have promised, “A new Golden Age shall come, brighter and better by far than the old!”

In this ancient fable, stable populations and long lives were central elements of flourishing societies free of disease and poverty.

Nowadays, stagnant populations and aging societies are often seen as a challenge or threat, rather than an opportunity – but the current aging of societies in Europe could bring citizens closer than many expect to the ideal described in mythology.

Aging Societies

The average age of the population in Europe and Central Asia today is 37 years old – eight years older than the average age six decades ago. This development is most advanced in the western part of the region, but the relatively young populations in Turkey and in Central Asia are expected to quickly follow this demographic trend.

The main reason behind population aging in the region is not that people are living longer, but that they are having fewer children. Since the 1970s, fertility rates have declined dramatically. Outward migration of young people is also playing a role in shaping the population structure in several countries.

The potential impacts of aging societies are often cause for apprehension. Working individuals, for example, are concerned about bearing the burden of financing health and pension systems that will have to support more elderly people.

Such concerns are warranted – and governments are tasked with helping to address them in a socially responsible and fiscally prudent way. The task is immense and challenging, but not impossible. Indeed, aging societies present opportunities to implement important socioeconomic reforms that can ultimately help foster a more active, healthy, and productive society.

A New Golden Age

Policies can help stabilize the demographic structure, enhancing the opportunities and mitigating the negative socioeconomic consequences of aging populations. The most immediate priorities for governments are to enable longer and more productive working lives, ensure fiscal sustainability, and prevent aging from leading to an increase in old-age poverty. But individuals, businesses and governments all have a role to play.

According to legend, Prometheus was always looking to the future and preparing for what might happen tomorrow, next year, or in a hundred years. To fully prepare for the new demographic reality and to seize the potential opportunities, policymakers across Europe and Central Asia would do well to follow his example. Perhaps then, all citizens can look forward one day to their Golden Age of aging.

Read in detail: http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2015/06/16/promise-of-prometheus-golden-aging-in-europe-and-central-asia

Courtesy: World Bank Report 2015

"Peeche ka Kamra" - A Poem by Anshuman Bhagwat - WEAAD2015

1. Published on Jun 15, 2015

1. 
   

1. This  Video is created by Silver Inning Foundation, an NGO working with Senior Citizens since 2008, on Occasion of the 10th Anniversary of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on 15th June 2015, in association with 'International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) to sensitize all stake holders and to work towards creating a Generation Friendly World.
   
   This poem is about a man who is doing everything he possibly can to improve his present and future but dismisses his old parents to the background because they could not keep up with his modern updated life style. But he is unaware to the fact that his own children are learning from him and in his old age he will be exiled to the same old back rooms that he dismissed his parents to.
   
   We would like to Thank the following for their invaluable contribution to make this happen :
   Anshuman Bhagwat - Poet
   Darrpan Mehta - Narration
   Hira Mehta - English Subtitles
   Ramaa Subramaniam - Coordination
   Sugar Mediaz - Audio Video Production
   
   Our Partners - INPEA, Silver Innings Helpline, A1 Snehajali, PushpaMa Foundation and The Metrognome
   Jeroninio Almeida and iCONGO for support
   All our Elders and their Families for their support for making this video.
   
   Old age is a beautiful stage in every person's life and an undeniable truth of life too.In old age physical strengths reduce but mind and heart are brimming with hopes and aspirations. But at this stage if the elderly are relegated to the back rooms their remaining life becomes hell.
   
   But young ones who do this to their old parents should remember this, that one day their own children who are observing the treatment meted out to their grand parents may think that this is the way it should be and do the same to their parents in their old age and dismiss you to the back room of their homes and lives.
   So if you want to make your future better, give your old parents respect and comfort in their old age.
   
   #‎WEAAD‬ is marked each year on June 15 as an official ‪#‎UnitedNations‬ International Day acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. Since 2006, communities throughout the country and around the world have used this day to raise the visibility of elder abuse, by sharing information about abuse and neglect and promoting resources and services that can help increase seniors’ safety and well-being.
   
   ‪#‎INPEA‬, Elder Abuse Awareness networks and organizations across globe are planning multiple WEAAD activities across the countries to mobilize community action and engage people in discussions on how to promote dignity and respect of older adults. The key objective of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is to raise awareness of elder abuse (which encompasses neglect or mistreatment) throughout the world.
   #WEAAD2015 #EldersMatter #INPEA #SilverInnings #SeniorCitizens #ElderAbuse #WearPurple #Ageing #Aging #Gerontology #Geriatric #Poem #World #UN
   
   Disclaimer : The images used are for representation only.
   Photos & Video Copyright - © Silver Innings 2015

WHO: “Ageing well” must be a global priority

6 November 2014 ¦ GENEVA

A major new Series on health and ageing, published in "The Lancet", warns that unless health systems find effective strategies to address the problems faced by an ageing world population, the growing burden of chronic disease will greatly affect the quality of life of older people. As people across the world live longer, soaring levels of chronic illness and diminished wellbeing are poised to become a major global public health challenge.

Effective health interventions increasing life expectancy

Worldwide, life expectancy of older people continues to rise. By 2020, for the first time in history, the number of people aged 60 years and older will outnumber children younger than 5 years. By 2050, the world’s population aged 60 years and older is expected to total 2 billion, up from 841 million today. Eighty per cent of these older people will be living in low-income and middle-income countries.
The increase in longevity, especially in high-income countries (HICs), has been largely due to the decline in deaths from cardiovascular disease (stroke and ischaemic heart disease), mainly because of simple, cost-effective strategies to reduce tobacco use and high blood pressure, and improved coverage and effectiveness of health interventions.

Challenge of ageing healthily

However, although people are living longer, they are not necessarily healthier than before – nearly a quarter (23%) of the overall global burden of death and illness is in people aged over 60, and much of this burden is attributable to long-term illness caused by diseases such as cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, heart disease, musculoskeletal diseases (such as arthritis and osteoporosis), and mental and neurological disorders.
This long-term burden of illness and diminished wellbeing affects patients, their families, health systems, and economies, and is forecast to accelerate. For example, latest estimates indicate that the number of people with dementia is expected to rise from 44 million now, to 135 million by 2050.

Read in detail:  http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2014/lancet-ageing-series/en/

WHO media contacts

Christian Lindmeier
Communications Officer
Telephone: +41 22 791 1948
Mobile: +41 7 95 00 65 52
Email: lindmeierch@who.int

International Day against Elder Abuse WEAAD 2012 : AGE calls for an EU quality framework for long-term care

 

Press release 14/06/12 - Stop elder abuse: AGE calls for an EU quality framework for long-term care

International Day against Elder Abuse (en français plus bas)

Stop elder abuse: AGE calls for an EU quality framework for long-term care to support the wellbeing and dignity of older people

“With the ageing of the population and the major social and economic reforms this demographic change will entail, finding ways of preventing elder abuse and ensuring a dignified life in old age will be a major challenge across the EU and needs be at the core of the current EU active and healthy ageing policies”, highlights Anne-Sophie Parent, AGE Secretary-General, on the eve of the International Day against Elder Abuse on 15 June.

In the last few years, the issue of abuse and negligence against vulnerable older people has gained importance at European and national levels. Public authorities, policy makers, care providers and end users’ organisations are now aware that elder abuse and neglect is a serious infringement to human rights that can no longer be tolerated, and measures must be put in place to ensure that older persons are adequately protected and can enjoy a dignified old age even when they become dependent on others for care and assistance.

We all know cases of older people abused and neglected, and these poor practices can be found in all EU countries and in all care settings, at home, in the community or in institutions. Some of these cases are examples of intentional abuse and neglect but the vast majority of them reflect just unintentional ‘bad care’ which affect the wellbeing and dignity of older vulnerable persons. However, many positive experiences and (real) success stories exist as well across Europe.  Most of the time, carers - both formal and informal - are very devoted and go out of their way to provide the best care they can to the older person in need of assistance. 

In our view the best way to prevent ‘bad care’ and elder abuse is by improving the quality of care and support we provide to older people in need of care and assistance. As part of the EU funded WeDO project, AGE and a group of partners from 12 countries, are developing a European Quality Framework for Long-Term Care which includes quality principles and recommendations for the implementation of these principles which are based on the European Charter of Rights and Responsibilities of older people in need of long-term care and assistance, developed in 2010. The European Quality Framework for Long-term care will be presented at the European Parliament on 14 November at the European Parliament in Brussels.

About AGE Platform Europe:

AGE Platform Europe (formerly AGE - the European Older People's Platform) is a European network of organisation of people aged 50+ and represents over 30 million older people in Europe. AGE aims to voice and promote the interests of the 150 million inhabitants aged 50+ in the European Union and to raise awareness of the issues that concern them most. www.age-platform.eu

AGE Platform Europe is the coordinator of the WeDO project which develops the EU quality framework for older people in need of care and assistance. More information at: www.wedo-partnership.eu.

For more information, please contact:

Anne Mélard

Information and Communication Officer

AGE Platform Europe

www.age-platform.eu

Tel: +32 2 280 14 70

Fax: +32 2 280 15 22

E-mail: anne.melard@age-platform.eu

Or

Maude Luherne

WeDO project coordinator

AGE Platform Europe

www.wedo-partnership.eu

maude.luherne@age-platform.eu

 Brussels, 14 June 2012