Challenges to the Safe Care of the Aging in India

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Challenges to the Safe Care of the Aging in India Although elderly people constitute the largest proportion of the vulnerable population in society, they are faced with numerous challenges in their search for healthcare. The mechanisms put in place to assist this population have been overwhelmed by the rising numbers of the elderly. In India, for instance, the elderly live in settings where their health needs and interests are not adequately recognized. Reports indicate that most elderly persons are accorded little social support by the younger generation. Besides living alone, the challenges experienced by this population may be exacerbated by health problems and disability. The other factors that complicate the health of older adults include loss of family members, cognitive impairments, domestic violence, and transport issues, among others.

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The life expectancy in India is approximately 69 years. The elderly population in the country is, however, increasing at a remarkable rate. Despite the lack of basic infrastructure, welfare, and support systems, the life expectancy of elderly persons above 80 years is reported to have increased from 5 years to about 7 years. However, changing disease patterns are threatening the safety and quality of life of the elderly in the country. Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and obesity predispose older people to potentially fatal health complications (Banerjee, Dhar, Pathania, Ravikant & Rathaur, 2019).

Many senior citizens in India do not have health insurance cover. This implies seniors have limited options other than catering to health costs out of their pockets. The changing roles of the family have also impacted the way of life and the health of seniors. In the past, elderly persons depended on the younger generation for financial support (Banerjee, Dhar, Pathania, Ravikant & Rathaur, 2019). The changing dynamics of life, however, make it hard for younger people to help the elderly. Consequently, older people engage in manual jobs to cater to their daily needs. Reports from various sources indicate that over 50% of elderly persons both in rural and urban areas are working (Gao, Baikady, Govindappa & Cheng, 2020). Appropriate mechanisms are needed to support the elderly by ensuring unlimited access to healthcare and social support.

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References Banerjee, D., Dhar, M., Pathania, M., Ravikant, & Rathaur, V. (2019). Mortality pattern of elderly patients at a tertiary care hospital: A study from the Sub-Himalayan region, Uttarakhand, India. Journal of family medicine and primary care, 8(2), 426–431. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_416_18 Gao, J., Baikady, R., Govindappa, L., & Cheng, S. (2020). Social Welfare in India and China: A Comparative Perspective. Springer Nature, Rajan, S. I. (2020). Senior Citizens of India: Emerging Challenges and Concerns. Springer Nature.