The elderly population in India is one of the fastest-growing in the world. At present India is considered as the second-largest global population of aging citizens. It is expected that the present number will further increase by 2050. Nevertheless, India lacks the basic infrastructure and expertise to support the health and welfare of the elderly.
According to various surveys across the country for most Indian senior citizens the biggest concerns that are prevailing are Healthcare costs, lack of financial support, and seclusion. In addition to this, the aged people are not accorded the dignity of care that they deserve. So caretaker for elderly is of utmost importance nowadays.
Physical Infrastructure
Lack of physical infrastructure forms the major deterrent in providing comfort to the aged. There are just a few purpose-built care homes or public ramps that are available for older citizens who are unable to move, like those who need wheelchair access. Presently, with increasing longevity and debilitating chronic diseases, many elder citizens will need better access to physical infrastructure in the coming years. This scenario is applicable in both their own homes and in public spaces, like roads and malls.
Knowledge of Specific Diseases
There are very little information and knowledge that exists about specific geriatric diseases. It is quite evident that mental health issues are rarely discussed and our country is ill-prepared to deal with the increasing incidence of dementia, depression, and Alzheimer’s amongst the elderly. There are only a few facilities like elderly home care services which can manage geriatric health effectively even in major metros.
Lack of Financial Support
Furthermore, there is little public or private financial support for the elderly. Various research shows that the majority of the Indians who are working only a few of them are eligible for the pension. Generally, senior health insurance has very low penetration and has an extremely poor pay-out history. Nevertheless, health costs keep rising in old age.
Lack of Emergency Response Infrastructure
The emergency response infrastructure for senior citizens is quite ill-developed in India, including the availability of public ambulances for hospitalization. One of the major fears for most senior citizens living alone is how to go about accessing an emergency facility if required, especially at night. With more elderly care services available now, it is somewhat making their life easier.
Rapid Socio-Economic Change
The rapid socio-economic change basically includes more nuclear families which are other factors that are making elder care management difficult. Especially in the case of busy NRI children responsible for their older parents’ well-being. No doubt managing home care for the elderly is a massive challenge as multiple elderly home care service providers who often do not talk to each other are involved in providing that care. These services basically include nursing agencies, physiotherapists and caregivers, etc.
Lack of Companionship
Most senior citizens who probably live alone suffer due to a lack of companionship sometimes exacerbated by a lack of mobility due to ill health. Loneliness and isolation are definitely a major concern among elderly Indians who are above the age of 60. Isolation basically can result in gradual depression and other mental disorders in the elderly. When you try to develop a strong bond with older parents and involve them in your life it could be quite beneficial for all.
It is soon that India’s demographic dividend of being a ‘young’ country will turn into a demographic nightmare if the infrastructure and services are not developed fast enough for our elderly. Elderly care services will play an increasingly important role in bridging the massive gap between the investments and expertise needed and what is available from public and NGO sources. The senior citizen hotline in India is 14567. Keep it handy.
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