An important day that reminds us of the need to take care of the elderly
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International Day of Older Persons - an update
- The story: The International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) is observed on 1st October (designated in 1990 by the United Nations General Assembly) every year. Dignity of the old is a key aspect of all civilized societies, worldwide. The challenge remains to ensure it across social strata.
- World Population: The World population was projected at 7.79 billion or 7,795 million as of July 1, 2020. There are 3.93 billion males and 3.86 billion females living on earth. As of 2020, 25.45 percent of global population was younger than 14 years, 9.33% older than 65, 65.22 % in the working age between 15 and 65 years.
- Latest theme: The 2020 theme aimed to "Promote Decade of Healthy Ageing (2020-2030)". The year 2020 has also been recognised as the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife”.
- The Decade of Healthy Ageing has been endorsed by the 73rd World Health Assembly (decision making body of the World Health Organisation) in 2020.
- It is an opportunity to bring together governments, civil society, international agencies, professionals, the media, and the private sector for ten years of concerted, catalytic and collaborative action to improve the lives of older people, their families, and the communities in which they live.
- What is healthy ageing: It is the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age. Functional ability is about having the capabilities that enable all people to be and do what they have reason to value.
- Reduce the health disparities between older persons in the developed and developing countries, so as to “Leave no one behind”
- Appreciate the role of the health care workforce in maintaining and improving the health of older persons, with special attention to the nursing profession
- Increase understanding of the impact of Covid-19 on older persons
- Related Data: By 2020, the number of people aged 60 years and older will outnumber children younger than 5 years. Over the next three decades, the number of older persons worldwide is projected to more than double, reaching more than 1.5 billion persons in 2050, and 80% of them will be living in low- and middle-income countries. The Covid-19 pandemic may significantly lower older persons’ incomes and living standards. Already, less than 20% of older persons of retirement age receive a pension.
- India's situation: As per the Census 2011, the total population of Senior Citizens (people aged 60 years and above) is 10.38 crore, of which the population of males and females are 5.11 crore and 5.27 crore respectively. The share of senior citizens in the total population as per Census 2011 is 8.57%. As per the May 2006 Report of the “Technical Group on Population Projections” constituted by the National Commission on Population published by the Office of the Registrar General of India this share is expected to increase to 10.70% in 2021 and to 12.40% in 2026.
- Initiatives: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the Nodal Ministry for matters relating to the Senior Citizens.
- The Article 41 of the Constitution states that the State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement, and in other cases of undeserved want.
- Integrated Programme for Older Persons - It is a central sector scheme. Financial assistance is provided to Government/ Non-Governmental Organizations/Panchayati Raj Institutions/local bodies etc. for running and maintenance of various projects for the welfare of indigent Senior Citizens.
- Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana - It is a pension scheme for senior citizens that comes with guaranteed returns on monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or on an annual basis for a period of 10 years. It is exclusively available to those who are 60 years of age and above.
- Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, 2007 - To ensure need-based maintenance for Parents and Senior Citizens and their welfare.
- Vayoshreshtha Samman - Conferred as a National award (part of celebrations of International Day of Older Persons), and given to eminent senior citizens & institutions in recognition of their services towards the cause of the elderly persons.
- Knowledge Centre:
- Population Pyramid - A Population pyramid (also called "Age-Sex Pyramid") is a graphical representation of the age and sex of a population. Types are - (i) Expansive - pyramid with a wide base (larger percentage of people in younger age groups, indicating high birth rates and high fertility rates) and narrow top (high death rate and lower life expectancies). It suggests a growing population. Example: Nigera Population Pyramid; (ii) Constrictive - pyramid with a narrow base (lower percentage of younger people, indicating declining birth rates with each succeeding age group getting smaller than the previous one). Example: United States; (iii) Stationary - with a somewhat equal proportion of the population in each age group. The population is stable, neither increasing nor decreasing.
- Dependency Ratio - There are three types of age dependency ratio: Youth, Elderly, and Total. All three ratios are commonly multiplied by 100. (i) Youth Dependency Ratio - Definition: population ages 0-15 divided by the population ages 16-64. Formula: ([Population ages 0-15] ÷ [Population ages 16-64]) × 100; (ii) Elderly dependency ratio - Definition: population ages 65-plus divided by the population ages 16-64. Formula: ([Population ages 65-plus] ÷ [Population ages 16-64]) × 100; (iii) Total dependency ratio - Definition: sum of the youth and old-age ratios. Formula: (([Population ages 0-15] + [Population ages 65-plus]) ÷ [Population ages 16-64]) × 100.
- EXAM QUESTIONS: (1) The age-related problems that the elderly face have been worsened by the pandemic. Analyse and explain. (2) The creation of a family system where respect for elders and freedom for the young can be ensured, remains a pipe dream in most societies. Why? Explain.
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