Senior Citizens: Dignity and Well-being

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. 34^th ‘International Day of Older Persons’ is being celebrated today the world over.

This day is fundamentally a special day for senior citizens. Additionally, this day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions, wisdom, dignity, and needs, besides drawing attention of authorities at the helm to fortify their efforts to guarantee welfare of senior citizens. The adherence is a focus of ageing organisations and the United Nations Program on Ageing. On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons (Resolution 45/106), which was preceded by initiatives such as the ‘Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing”, and adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly.

The day was observed for the first time on October 1, 1991. Later on, the United Nations Principles for Older Persons were adopted by the UN General Assembly (Resolution 46/91) on 16 December 1991, whereby Governments were encouraged to incorporate them into their national programmes whenever possible. The Resolution comprises 18 principles, which are grouped under five themes: independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment and dignity. Likewise, in line with the principles set forth by the United Nations, the Government of India has also adopted ‘National Policy for Senior Citizens 2011.

Population ageing is an irreversible global trend. In 2021, 1 in 10 people worldwide were aged 65 or above. In 2050, this age group is projected to account for 1 in 6 people globally. Simultaneously, according to macro trends, the life expectancy in India in 2024 is projected to be 70.62 years, which is a 0.29% increase from 2023. Population ageing is poised to become one of the most noteworthy social revolutions of the twenty-first century, having repercussions on nearly all sectors of society, including labour and financial markets, the demand for goods and services, such as housing, transportation and social protection, as well as family structures and intergenerational ties.

Swift growth in the number of persons attaining older ages underlines the importance of fostering health, preventing, and treating illnesses through the entire passage of life. In societies with aging populations, it becomes very imperative to attune with the increasing number of elderly individuals who have a diverse range of functional aptitudes. The ability to perform vital functions and participate in everyday happenings is dependent not merely upon an individual's inherent capability but also the social and somatic environment in which they live. Compassionate settings, obviously, play a central part in supporting older beings to uphold their pursuit levels and individuality as they move forward in age. Anyway, longer lives are one of humanity's greatest achievements.

Nonetheless, no one just wants to add years to his life; rather, everyone also wants to enjoy good health and well-being in later life. As of now, elderly people having meagre resources, predominantly those belonging to rural areas are unquestionably quite vulnerable, with many of them experiencing poverty, prejudice, and health problems. They occasionally endure maltreatment as well, which is harmful to them. The foremost purpose of the day is to draw attention to how the world might better the lives of older people. The feelings expressed herein above are vindicated by an excerpt from a message of United Nations’ Secretary General for the year 2023, as under;

“Older persons are invaluable sources of knowledge and experience and have much to contribute towards peace, sustainable development, and protecting our planet.

We must ensure their active engagement, full participation, and essential contributions – including through social and workplace policies built around their specific needs.

We must promote lifelong learning, quality healthcare, and digital inclusion.

And we must foster intergenerational dialogue and unity.

Together, let us build more inclusive and age-friendly societies and a more resilient world for all.”

Indeed, the measures underlined in various programs and schemes are aimed at welfare of elderly segment of our society, but regretfully it needs a mention that on ground there is no visible impact. Although, the National Policy on Older Persons, 1999, which is presently in force, envisages state support to ensure financial and food security, health care, shelter, protection and other needs of older persons to improve quality of their lives, but much is required to be done on ground, so as to ensure that the benefit reaches the targeted segment of population i.e., senior citizens in particular.

Loneliness is the biggest enemy of old people. Even the oldies living with their children also feel lonely if not attended to properly. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has surely initiated certain steps towards establishing old age homes. But taking into account various constrictions and reservations among senior citizens in the existing setup of society, people are reluctant to avail this facility. It has been observed that none of the old age homes situated in Jammu and elsewhere is fully occupied. Need of the hour is to establish more and more ‘Day Care Centers’ and Pay and Stay Homes. Initiatives and support from the UT Administration in this regard is not encouraging, and needs to be accelerated.

At the same time, however, the senior citizens are advised to find ways to engage themselves and learn to utilise their time in fruitful manner. They can take up reading or writing, or help their working children by taking care of grandchildren. Senior citizens living in colonies and apartments can form a club for enjoying get-togethers, singing bhajans/songs and religious discourses, birthdays and marriage anniversary celebrations of the active members of the group and indoor games. These activities can be organized on daily, alternate days or weekly basis depending upon local situations.

Here it would be in place to make a mention that ‘The Association for Welfare of Senior Citizens Jammu’ is striving hard towards achieving the desired goals by taking up relevant issues with appropriate authorities. Additionally, the Association is holding weekly get-togethers on every Thursday, wherein lot of entertaining activities including celebration of birthdays of members and/or spouses are organised. Presently the Association is having these activities in a private accommodation, which of late is being felt quite inadequate; despite repeated and concerted efforts, there have been no fruitful results.

Given the least amount of emphasis the authorities are putting in building infrastructure and facilities for old age care, as suggested herein above, it is anticipated that India, and in particular the UT of Jammu and Kashmir may face a state of crisis in coming future. Incidentally, however, it may be well placed to add here that the theme for the current year (2024) International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) is; "Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide".

(Virender Kumar Gupta, retired JKAS officer, and President of the Association for Welfare of Senior Citizens-Regd.)