Question

Write short note.

Problems of ageing

Answer 1

The problems of the ageing population are as follows:

1. Health concerns: As one ages, various parts of the body begin to deteriorate. Problems can relate to any physiological/ biological problem, such as dental, bones, stomach, heart, hearing, vision etc. In addition, there are mental health issues revolving around feelings of alienation, conflict, dissatisfaction, disappointment, anxiety, loneliness.
2. Loneliness: Loneliness is particularly relevant in case of people who are single, without child, isolated, living in homes or remote areas. Loss of a spouse or loved one leads to loneliness. Inability to do things which one was capable of doing previously can add to loneliness. There is a sense of being neglected by others in the family or the neighbourhood.
3. Abuse: We often across reports of the elderly people being forced to do all kinds of work and subjected to cruelty, abuse, mockery, harassment from within the family as well as from outside. There are also instances of physical abuse and domestic violence.
4. Economic insecurity: Many elderly people are fully or partially dependent on their families for financial support. This is because not all elderly people have pension to take care of their needs.
5. Lack of empathy: There is often the lack of willingness to pay heed to the needs of elderly people. Family members and relatives may address the problems of elderly people from their own vested perspectives. The younger adults and care givers may also fail to understand the problems of elderly and may use coercive methods while dealing with them.
6. Mental health issues: Anxiety and depression are significant among the elderly people. This may be accompanied by a sense of guilt; a tendency to feel that one is a burden to one’s family, friends and relatives. 
7. Absence of adequate health care: The elderly people may not have access to health care for physical or psychological ailments such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and mental health concerns like schizophrenia, bipolarity, depression, boredom, loss of self-esteem.
8. Lack of old age homes: Old age homes are woefully inadequate. Even if they exist, they may not be affordable. Many shelters for them lack basic amenities or are impersonal in their care of the inhabitants.
9. Weaker sections: This includes elderly people who particularly belong to the weaker sections of society (women, LGBT, disabled). The identity of being a single woman or disabled becomes a huge barrier, especially when care givers are no longer available.
10. Exploitation: Elderly people may become victims of exploitation especially when they are dependent on others for all kinds of services such as personal hygiene, legal documentation etc.