Why is Aging Such a Problem? Common Issues Faced by the Elderly
Well, aging per se is not the problem, after all, it is a natural process and all of us have to go through it at some point. However, with the manner in which our world is changing and the ways in which India is developing, the average age of people is increasing. This is leading to problems of various kinds and some of them include:
- With age, a range of health issues are bound to crop up - from conditions like diabetes, and blood pressure as well as hearing and vision loss, there are elderly who have issues with movement and even bowel control. Age also brings problems like a degradation of mental fitness, with conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s presenting themselves. If you were to talk to volunteers at NGOs for the elderly in India, chances are that they would tell you that most people they work with are aged, alone, and have no one to take care of them. Several elderly people are often left on their own because their children might be in other cities or even countries and might not be able to offer much in terms of assistance.
- India is racing ahead in terms of development and technology, and while the younger generation is a part of this race, it is the old people who tend to get left behind. So, while the rest of the world might be occupied with social media, the older generation is left with no one to talk to as the bonds between generations are weakening, day by day. While the children might be neglecting their parents, there is also a sense of restlessness and a feeling of not having any purpose or value that tends to arise after retirement.
- Perhaps the greatest problem arises in terms of finances - post-retirement there is a certain level of dependence on children for money for several old people and there could be sudden and extremely large expenses in terms of medical treatments. A survey that was carried out across the nation by the NGO HelpAge India shows some important numbers - close to 50% of elderly people were dependent on their families for money and almost 35% were dependent on pensions. Moreover, almost 40% of the people participating in the survey mentioned that they would like to work for as long as possible.
Is There a Way Forward for the Elderly? What is the Solution to the Problem?
Where there is a problem there also has to be a solution and finding that solution is a responsibility that all of us have to share. Here are just some of the steps that can be taken to protect the elderly and could prove to be a way to help senior citizens:
- Every human being has the right to live a life of dignity; the same applies to the elderly. There should not be situations where the elderly have to lead a life of destitution.
- It is commendable to see that the government has taken steps to institute pensions for the elderly, which allows them to lead a life of dignity, without being dependent on anyone else.
- We need to take another look at the healthcare system - it needs to reach the right people, at the right time. For the old, this goes beyond just medication and procedures; there would be those who might need assistance on a more regular level and there needs to be some system in place that offers them the help they need.
- Perhaps one of the biggest problems that the elderly face is the thought of not being 'useful' anymore - steps need to be taken to remove this thought process because the elderly could prove to be a treasure trove of information, knowledge, and wisdom.
So, Who are the People Trying to Make a Difference?
If one were to go by the numbers presented by the Niti Aayog, there are more than 15,000 NGOs currently in India, that are trying to help people who are in the later stages of their life. Here are just some of them:
- VridhCare: This is a Delhi-based senior citizen NGO that works exclusively with older citizens and tries to give them a better life by focusing on their overall well-being. This means that they offer assistance in terms of finances, health, and even housing and everyday routines. Special care is provided to those who might have mental or motor disabilities and the intention is to bring as much normalcy and routine as possible into their lives. They also offer assistance to other similar organizations, by providing them with any support that they might need in terms of infrastructure.
- HelpAge India: Since its inception more than 40 years ago, HelpAge India is constantly looking to address the variety of challenges that old people might have to come face to face with on a regular basis. This is one of the NGOs for old age people that tries to offer protection against abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Their vision is to help build a society, where the elderly have the chance to live a life of dignity, with health and activity. They have several programs all across India, wherein they provide healthcare services, daycare centers, and even self-help groups for the elderly.
- Agewell Foundation: Established in 1999, Agewell Foundation, as the name suggests, allows senior citizens to age well - through their incredible network of volunteers and professionals they work towards gaining a better understanding of what it is that the old aged persons might need and then working towards making that happen. They have been able to establish a network of volunteers that is spread all across the country and the world and through them, they are able to work with more than 25000 people daily. As a matter of fact, ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) recognized the work being done by this organization and granted it Special Consultative Status in 2011!
- Dignity Foundation: This NGO for the elderly in India works on the notion of productive aging - even though senior citizens are aging, there is no reason for them to give up on life. The NGO works with them, offering them counseling, assistance in terms of food rations, and even companionship, allowing them to live life happily. Their skill-building initiatives have allowed the elderly to not only pick up new skills and keep themselves occupied but also earn a living, should they want.
- Shraddhanand Mahilashram: This is perhaps one of the oldest NGOs for the elderly in India; it was started in the memory of Swami Shraddhanand Ji in the year 1927 and was initially a place where destitute or abandoned women could find shelter. Today, this has become an old age home for people from any part of India. The organization offers two types of boarding options - one, which is free for those who have no other place to go, and one, where a nominal fee is charged to those who can afford it. There are plenty of daily activities, including exercise routines, and recreational and social activities to offer a more retirement home feel to the residents.
If statistics are to be believed then 39% of the total elderly people in India are either abandoned or are living alone with nothing much to look forward to. At Give Discover, we aim to bring forth into the light, the NGOs for the elderly in India that are working hard to not only raise awareness about this issue but also deliver solutions and more importantly, allow the elderly citizens their right - a chance to live a life with dignity!
