The old age people are the important part of human being. They have lots of experience, and using these experiences youths can success in their life, in fact, their experiences and views are the base of a well-cultured and traditional society. In this essay, we will discuss about the old age: problems associated with it and our responsibilities towards old age. Life expectancy has increased dramatically over the past century and in coming days, the world will have more old people than children and this social transformation represents both challenges and opportunities.
To cope with the demographic shift, countries and health care systems will need to find innovative and sustainable ways. John Beard, director of the WHO Department of Ageing and Life Course, says that ‘with the rapid ageing of populations, finding the right model for long-term care becomes more and more urgent’. The plan is a resource for policy-makers, suggesting ways for governments, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to reorient the ways in which their societies observe, interact with and care for their older citizens, as by 2050, two billion people will be aged 60 and above.
Old age is defined as the ages nearing or surpassing the average life span of human beings. The United Nations World Assembly on Ageing, held in Vienna in 1982, conveyed a package of recommendations which gives high priority to research related to developmental and humanitarian aspects of ageing (United Nations, 1987). The plan of action specifically recommends that ‘international exchange and research cooperation as well as data collection should be promoted in all the fields having a bearing on ageing, in order to provide a rational basis for future social policies and action. Special emphasis should be placed on comparative and cross cultural studies in ageing’.
In later life related to ageing (e.g., arthritis) or the beginning of a chronic disease, (e.g., lung cancer, diabetes and peripheral vascular disease) or a degenerative illness (e.g., dementia), many people develop disabilities. But disabilities associated with ageing and the beginning of chronic disease can be prevented or delayed.
In protection of the social and economic security of the elderly people, the traditional Indian society and the age-old joint family system have been instrumental. With the rapid changing society and the trend of nuclear families in India in recent years, the elderly are likely to be exposed to emotional, physical and financial insecurity in coming years.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, adopted a ‘National Policy on Older Persons’ in January 1999 after realising the increasing need for intervention in area of old age welfare, and the policy provides broad guidelines to the State governments for taking action for the welfare of old age in a proactive manner. It defines ‘senior citizen’ as a person who is 60 years or above and struggles to ensure their well-being and improve the quality of their lives by providing specific facilities, concessions, relief and services and helping them cope with problems related with old age. For ensuring that the existing public services for senior citizens are userfriendly and sensitive to their needs, the policy proposes affirmative action on the part of government departments.
To make aging a positive experience, longer life must go hand in hand with continuing opportunities for health, participation and security. The World Health Organisation has introduced the term ‘active ageing’ to underline the need to achieve this vision.
WHO launched a new campaign during the International Year of Older Persons in 1999, Active Ageing, which highlights the meaning of social integration and health throughout the life course. The aim of Active ageing is to extend healthy life expectancy and the quality of life for all people as they age, including those who are weak, disabled and in need of care.
Active ageing depends on many factors or ‘determinants’ that surround individuals, families and nations and these apply to the health of all age groups, while the emphasis is on the health and quality of life of old age persons. To achieve this goal of active ageing will require action in a variety of areas, including education, employment and labour, finance, social security, housing, transportation, justice and rural and urban development.
For the prevention of the abuse of older people, WHO has recognised the need to plan and develop a global strategy within the framework of a working partnership between the WHO Ageing and Life Course unit of the Department of Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion, the WHO Department of Injuries and Violence Prevention, the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), HelpAge International and partners from academic institutions in a range of countries.
Some recommendations of WHO are: promote and live a healthy lifestyle across the life-course, create age-friendly environments and policies to engage older men and women, make primary health care age-friendly ensure easy approach to health care and rehabilitation services for older people and adapt physical environments to existing disabilities.
For Active Ageing, Lifestyle choices should start at the early stage of life which should include participating in family and community life, eating a balanced and healthy diet, maintaining proper physical activity, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
It is the period to set a new example, one that views old age as active participants in an age-integrated society and as active participants as well as beneficiaries of development.