Social status of elderly has deteriorated in last 15 yrs
Nationwide study reveals 47.5% of older people suffering from loneliness
The social status of older people in Delhi-NCR has deteriorated in the last 15 years, while the healthcare status hasn’t seemed to have improved.
The findings are a result of a recent nation-wide survey conducted by NGO Agewell Foundation in which 1,500 older persons from Delhi participated. The survey was to study the changing needs and rights of older persons spread across 300 districts over 25 states. Sample respondents included older citizens from urban, rural and slum areas.
Approximately 59 per cent of elderly respondents said that the social status of older people in Delhi has declined over the last 15 years, while only 24 per cent reportedly claimed that they have seen an improvement in the social standing.
As per 47 per cent elderly,
Only 24 per cent elderly respondents in Delhi reportedly claimed that they have seen an improvement in the social standing
the healthcare status of older people during the past 15 years has failed to get any better with only one-third of elderly respondents reportedly agreeing that there has been significant improvement during the period.
According to 36 per cent elderly, the financial status of older people has also failed to upgrade. As far as the whole of the country is concerned, the survey reveals that every second elderly (50.2 per cent) is dependent on their family members and 36 per cent elderly are highly dependent for financial needs. Similarly, 72 per cent of older people need more money for their needs and requirements during old age and 79 per cent are not aware of their financial rights.
“With an increasing share of older people in the population, the older generation seem to struggle for their due share in the mainstream as well” said Himanshu Rath, founder chairman of Agewell Foundation.
It has been observed that unlike past decades, older people also comprise of educated, active, able bodied, experienced, wellinformed and well-placed senior citizens. With dramatic change in their profile, their perceptions of needs and, therefore, the rights have altered.
The study also said that 47.5 per cent of older people are suffering from loneliness while 39 per cent elderly, who were suffering from psychological problems, said that they need gainful engagement to keep psychological issues at bay.