Sugath Kulatunga

1.CURRENT STATUS

With impressive improvements in health and nutrition the latter half of the 20^th century has resulted in a revolution in longevity, which in Sri Lanka today is 76.98 years (2019).

 With high fertility in the past and rising life expectancies in the future, the number of elderly is rapidly increasing and the percentage of older persons was due to reach 15 percent by 2020.Because of their higher longevity more women elders will lose the support of their spouses in later life.

The traditional family culture of lifelong care for elders by the family is fast disappearing.

 Elders are not able to keep abreast of fast changing technology and rapidly expanding knowledge base which are making elders misfits in the workplace and society.

 Economic poverty in the majority of families makes caring for elders an unbearable burden.

 Respect for elders is no longer a strong feature in our society and the culture of non-caring of elders has made elders physically and mentally traumatized.

Today we see a revolution in longevity. The percentage of old people in the total population is growing steadily. In this background, all over the world, increasing attention has been focused on old people. Ageing is being considered only as a factor of social differentiation and not one of social discrimination.  At paragraph 15 of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002- it is stated that , Whereas specific policies will vary according to country and region, population ageing is a universal force that has the power to shape the future as much as globalization. It is essential to recognize the ability of older persons to contribute to society by taking the lead not only in their own betterment but also in that of society as a whole. Forward thinking calls us to embrace the potential of the ageing population as a basis for future development.” The present retirement age has been determined when the life expectancy was in the region of 50 to 60 years. Today life expectancy has risen over 75 years of age and at the former age of retirement of 60 years most persons were not only physically and mentally fit to continue working but also, they were at the peak level of competency. The government has to be congratulated for extending the age of retirement.

In the Article 10 of the declaration of the Second World Assembly on Ageing in Madrid- 12 April 2002, it is stated that The potential of older persons is a powerful basis for future development. This enables society to rely increasingly on the skills, experience and wisdom of older persons, not only to take the lead in their own betterment but also to participate actively in that of society.”

However, the present policy on elders is focused more on looking after the welfare of elders rather than harnessing their proven talent for further contribution to the society, Therefore, the policy on elders should combine the welfare function with that of active participation in society.

 Four areas in which policy options are available to support the elderly are

(4.1) labour and retirement policies.

(4.2) policies affecting traditional family support systems.

(4.3) policies that encourage saving and investment.

     (4.4) government and employer-sponsored pension schemes.

      (4.5) health care policies.      

There has to be a special policy package to involve their participation of elders in Socio economic development.

At Article 10 of the declaration of the Second World Assembly on Ageing, it is stated that The potential of older persons is a powerful basis for future development. This enables society to rely increasingly on the skills, experience and wisdom of older persons, not only to take the lead in their own betterment but also to participate actively in that of society as a whole.” Most retired persons wish to work, learn and continue to develop and utilise their abilities during their retirement to the benefit of the community and themselves. Many enjoy working and work provides purpose, status, scope to use one’s skills and abilities, and the opportunity to express their values, interests and objectives, and to progress. 

The information and communication technology has revolutionized the way, where and when of work. More and more people are able to work from home rather than face the hazards of commuting to work. In the future physical mobility will cease to be a vital factor of capacity to work. 

It is noted that the present retirement age has been determined when the life expectancy was in the region of 50 to 60 years. Today life expectancy has risen over 75 years  of age and at the present age of retirement of 60 years most persons are not only physically and mentally fit to continue working but also they are at the peak level of competency.

Advocacy on issues of ageing 

The promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to development, is essential for the creation of an inclusive society for all ages in which older persons participate fully and without discrimination and on the basis of equality. Combating discrimination based on age and promoting the dignity of older persons is fundamental to ensuring the respect that older persons deserve. Promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms is important in order to achieve a society for all ages. In this, the reciprocal relationship between and among generations must be nurtured, emphasized and encouraged through a comprehensive and effective dialogue.” 

In this background the ageing population has developed into a major factor in the economic and social development in the country but the issue is not given adequate attention. In this effort, the government could give priority to the themes identified in the International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002, to the extent of their relevance to the Sri Lanka context. Although these proposals are now 10 years old, time  has made them more relevant now.

These are:

 (a) The full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of all older persons.

(b) The achievement of secure ageing, which involves reaffirming the goal of eradicating poverty in old age and building on the United Nations Principles for Older Persons.

(c) Empowerment of older persons to fully and effectively participate in the economic, political and social lives of their societies, including through income-generating and voluntary work.

(d) Provision of opportunities for individual development, self-fulfilment and well-being throughout life as well as in late life, though, for example, access to lifelong learning and participation in the community while recognizing that older persons are not one homogenous group.

(e) Ensuring the full enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, and civil and political rights of persons and the elimination of all forms of violence and discrimination against older persons.

(f) Commitment to gender equality among older persons through, inter alia, elimination of gender-based discrimination.

(g) Recognition of the crucial importance of families, intergenerational interdependence, solidarity and reciprocity for social development.

(h) Provision of health care, support, and social protection for older persons, including preventive and rehabilitative health care.

(i) Facilitating partnership between all levels of government, civil society, the private sector and older persons themselves in translating the International Plan of Action into practical action.

(j) Harnessing of scientific research and expertise and realizing the potential of technology to focus on, inter alia, the individual, social and health implications of aging, in particular in developing countries.

In order to achieve the above objectives the Government should ensure that::

 Legislation on rights of older persons is enacted.

 Attention is paid to basic needs and poverty reduction among older persons.

 Special problems of older women are addressed.

 Retirement (pension) system(s) for all older persons are introduced.

 Integrated primary health care programs are commenced for older persons.

 Caregiving assistance is made available for older family members.

 Age-integrated (multigenerational) housing and living environments are launched.

 Employment promotion is undertaken for older persons.  

 Support is provided for income-generating activities for older persons.

 Educate the public for late life and strengthen multigenerational solidarity.

Sugath Kulatunga