Question

Answer the following question in detail (in 150-200 words).

Describe the problems of ageing and suggest measures to solve them.

Answer 1

• Problems of ageing population

1. Health concerns: As one ages, various parts of the body deteriorate. There could be physiological problems related to bones, hearing, vision etc. There are also mental health issues revolving around feelings of alienation, dissatisfaction, disappointment, anxiety.
2. Loneliness: There is a sense of being neglected by family and neighbourhood. Loneliness is particularly relevant in case of people who are single, without child and isolated. Loss of spouse and inability to do things which one was capable of previously, adds to loneliness. There are instances of elderly being thrown out of home.
3. Severe abuse: Sometimes elderly people are forced to do all kinds of work and subjected to cruelty, abuse, mockery, harassment. There are instances of physical abuse and domestic violence. At times, elderly people are also seen begging for assistance.
4. Economic insecurity: Not all elderly people have pension to meet their daily and medical needs. Many of them are fully or partially dependent on their families for financial support.
5. Lack of empathy: Family members and relatives tend to address problems of elderly from their own vested perspectives. The youth and care givers may also fail to understand their problems. They may use coercive methods in dealing with the elderly.
6. Mental health issues: Anxiety and depression are significant among the elderly. There could also be a sense of guilt; tendency to feel that one is a burden on one’s family, friends and relatives. 
7. Absence of adequate health care: There may not be facilities for the treatment of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), incontinence, invalidity, and concerns like Schizophrenia, Bipolarity, Depression and loss of self-esteem.
8. Lack of old age homes: Old age homes for elderly are woefully inadequate. Even if they exist, they may not be affordable. Many shelters for the elderly lack basic amenities or are impersonal. 
9. Weaker sections: It includes elderly people who belong to the weaker sections, such as women, LGBT, disabled people. The identity of being a single woman and disabled, becomes a huge barrier, especially when caregivers are not available.
10. Exploitation: The elderly may become victims of exploitation especially when they are increasingly dependent on others for all kinds of services.

• Measures to solve problems of ageing population

1. Health care centres specially dedicated to treating physical and mental problems of elderly could be constructed. 
2. Family members should talk to elderly people and try to understand their needs. It should be ensured that elderly don’t feel like being a burden on one’s family. 
3. Strict laws must be enforced to avoid physical abuse and domestic violence against elderly.
4. Financial support could be provided to elderly people so that they are not economically dependent on others. 
5. Family members need to understand problems faced by elderly at their home. The youth, relatives, neighbours, care givers should treat elderly with respect and compassion. 
6. Professional help could be provided at concessional prices for enabling elderly to deal with various mental health issues. 
7. Enough facilities could be built to treat physical as well as emotional problems faced by elderly.
8. The existing old age homes could be made more equipped. Moreover, new old age homes can be built. 
9. The government could undertake special measures to ensure protection of elderly who fall under the category of weaker sections.
10. There should be strict laws against the exploitation of elderly people. NGOs could also offer help to victims of such exploitation.