The plight of the elderly

Ever since being declared as a special day by the United Nations General Assembly on December 14, 1990, the International Day of Older Persons has been observed on October 1, to remind us of the contributions that the elderly make to society. It is important to recognise that the elderly have specific sets of needs that must be catered to.

Between 2015 and 2030 the number of older persons worldwide is expected to increase from 901 million to more than 1.4 billion, by 56 percent. Although Bangladesh is generally thought of as a young country with tremendous youth bulge, it should be taken into account that the older section of the population is increasing much faster than the total population. An Unnayan Onneshan policy brief report states that the elderly population in 2050 might be about three times higher than the percentage in 2000.

To better prepare ourselves for the challenges that come with an ageing population, it must be acknowledged that it is an issue not separate from social inclusion, gender parity, economic advancement or poverty. Just as women, children and persons with disabilities are more severely affected in disaster and crisis, so are the elderly. Active measures must be taken to socially integrate them and special programmes designed to accommodate their needs. 

The present government has launched old age allowance, formed National Policy for Older People 2013 and Parents Maintenance Act 2013 for the welfare of senior citizens which is commendable. The elderly have invested their youth in building the nation. It is now up to us to return the favour and adequately compensate them, or at least build societies that accommodate them.