Question

Write short notes.

Measures to tackle the problem of ageing.

Answer 1

Role of government: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has the responsibility to formulate and implement policies for the care of aged people. It engages in collaborative efforts with State governments, NGOs, & civil society.

Policy: National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) was announced in January 1999 to look into the matter of their well-being. It envisages the support from State government towards care of aged people through provision of shelters, support, sensitisation programs, healthcare facilities, protection for vulnerable sections etc.

Action plan: Inter-Ministerial Committee on Older Persons is a mechanism for effective implementation of NPOP through ministries and departments that work under Ministry at the Centre.

Role of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): NGOs have contributed significantly towards helping the problem of the aged in India. e.g. HelpAge India, Harmony India, Dada Dadi, Dignity Foundation, Nightingales Medical Trust, Seenagers etc. Today, there are online communities also which lend support.

Role of education: Schools can create awareness about the problems of the aged people through Community Service Projects, Outreach Programmes, Socially Useful Productive Work (SUPW) and NSS. Such programmes can inculcate values of caring for aged people and becoming sensitive to their changing needs.

Role of family: Parents and relatives play major role in creating a suitable atmosphere within the home; one that is enriching, enabling and instils respect and value of the elderly, has regard for their wisdom, involves them in activities within the home, neighbourhood and community at large.