Are we prepared to meet the challenge of an ageing population?
The elderly population (above the age of 60 years) is 2.5 million at present in Sri Lanka and will double to reach 5 million in 2031 according to the projections. It is a global trend that the elderly population is fast growing. At present the world’s population of elders numbers 809 million - 11% of the total population. In 2030 it is projected to be 1375 million - 16% of the total population of the world.
In any country, the population structure population). In 2012 it was 13.3% and Education and employability Sri Lanka is now in the third stage of is one of the key factors which decides the according to the projections it will be 16.7% Suitable environment for living change, still experiencing a difference development of the country. in 2021 and 25% in 2041. The elderly populaWe are fortunate to be in the 36th place between birth rate and death rate (crude
There are three age categories of importion is growing faster than the rate of popuout of 91 countries in the world which were birth rate 16/1000 and crude death rate tance: lation growth. In the elderly population the assessed, and be the first in Asia. 6/1000) which results in population expanChild population less than the age of 15 number of males is lower than the number There are a few reasons for the increase sion. (This is also called ‘population exployears of females: Males 44% and Females 56%. of the elderly population in our country: sion’) Working population between the ages of 77% of the elderly population is in the rural Low fertility (low birth rates) With the aging population growing fast, 15 to 59 years sector, 19% in urban areas and only 4% in Increased life expectancy the country has a challenge to address Elderly population aged 60 years and the estate sector. It is appreciable that 26% Low mortality (low death rates) issues regarding their wellbeing. They above of elders participate in the economy of the (In Sri Lanka at present the life expectanbecome dependents. They will be faced with In Sri Lanka according to the current age country. cy of females is 78 years and males, 72 certain health problems such as Non structure of the population, it appears that Helpage International and UNFPA introyears.) Communicable Diseases (NCD), mental the child population, working population duced the ‘Global Age Watch Index’ in 2013 The change of the population structure health problems, problems with hearing and elderly population amount to 26%, 61% to measure the quality and welfare of the with time is called “demographic transiand vision, and some problems with mobiland 13% respectively.ity.livingconditionsoftheelderly.tion”.Almostallcountriesexperiencethis
The population in Sri Lanka is experiencWhen calculating Global Age Watch change. Scientists found that there are four he authorities seem to be not adequately ing a threat of aging over the last three decIndex, there are four main areas to be main stages in demographic transition aware of the needs in the future. A simple ades. In 1981, the elderly population was 1 looked into. starting from high fertility and mortality example: In most of the railway stations in million (6.6% of the total population). In Safety of income and assets rates to low fertility and mortality rates in our country we see low platforms, even a 2007 it was nearly double (11.3% of total Health conditions countries. young person finds difficulty to board or get off a train. In some railway stations the platforms reconstructed recently are elevated. In most state institutions including hospitals and most private establishments, there are still no ramps for the disabled and elders to enter and leave without a hassle.
The Health Department and other authorities should draw up short term, medium term and long term plans to improve infrastructure facilities and human resources to address the needs of the elderly. It is desirable to implement an insurance scheme to secure their health expenditure.
Relevant ministries and higher authorities, should act fast to do a survey and draw up plans to address the needs of the aging population. The government should take necessary steps to formulate a national policy on these issues. Dr. J. Ranathunga Kurunegala