Financial independence is imperative for a rewarding old age

It is difficult to imagine that India would soon have a third of its population above 60 years of age. What this means for the economy is hard to project as there has been no significant exercise involving the ageing population which would determine the trajectory. However, this issue does highlight certain key areas of concern that needs urgent flagging. First, a need for home-based palliative services for the old-old and a dedicated geriatrics department in every healthcare unit—from the primary to the district and state level—is deeply felt. Second, there is a need for the infrastructure and transport services to accommodate the requirements of both the elderly and the differently-abled. At present there are no provisions of ramps, escalators and dedicated public transport systems—being critically absent in most cities and towns. Third, a meaningful pension scheme needs to be put in place where, aside from funds, services are also provided for the elderly. For instance, the paltry pension for elderly below the poverty line—amounting to about INR 400-500 for each—can, perhaps, be invested towards creating a corpus at a taluk or district level. This can help employ paramedics and grassroot workers who can offer quality care to the elderly. Fourth, an attitudinal shift of the government with greater sensitivity towards the elderly is warranted. This will facilitate change amongst the general populace too. The need to be kinder and gentler is important to instill confidence among the elderly to venture out with ease. Finally, such initiatives will help the elderly to become productive assets for the country at large, working beside the youth with dignity to usher in a new paradigm of growth.

Happy Reading.