Supporting Older Persons: Strengthening Care Systems is a Key to Dignified Ageing 

Authors: Madrika Mirza Kanjiani, Laila Cassum, Saira Lalani, and Shenila Shamsuddin are working as faculty members at The Aga Khan University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan.

The greying of the population has become a significant concern globally. Every second, two people celebrate their sixtieth birthday worldwide resulting in approximately 58 million celebrations annually. By 2050, the global population of individuals aged 60 and older will be doubled to 2.1 billion, while those aged 80 and above will be tripled to 426 million (UNFPA & HelpAge International, 2012). Pakistan is also experiencing a similar trend and currently, the country has over 14 million elderly individuals, making up 7% of the population, with projections indicating a rise to 12.9% by 2050 (WHO, 2024). The emerging trend distinctly highlights the compelling need for strong caring systems for the elderly to ensure adequate support and assistance for a dignified life.

Every year International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) is celebrated globally on October 1^st. This year’s IDOP theme is, “Ageing with dignity: The importance of strengthening care and support systems for older persons worldwide”, emphasizing the necessity of robust healthcare and social services to ensure dignified ageing. Furthermore, it promotes awareness and encourages communities to foster respect, inclusion, and empowerment for older persons across the globe.

Aging With Dignity

“Ageing with dignity” draws attention to the respect and support of older adults, acknowledging their contributions to family and society. In traditional Eastern cultures, elders were regarded as the strong pillars of family, often playing a central role in decision-making. However, rapid urbanization, shifting family dynamics, and economic pressures are increasingly isolating older adults. Social changes have diluted the intergenerational bonds that once ensured care, support, and affection.

Barriers to Effective Elderly Care

Pakistan is experiencing growing challenges in delivering sufficient care and support for its aging population. While the government and NGOs have implemented various initiatives, major gaps persist in policy implementation and support systems. Older adults often experience neglect and abuse in our society (Alias et al., 2023), leading to a detrimental impact on their physical and mental well-being. Additionally, there is a need to raise awareness about the specialized needs of older adults and promote a culture of respect for the elderly to create a more supportive environment. To address these pressing challenges, Pakistan urgently requires more effective policy implementation. (WHO, 2024).

Strategies To Foster Dignified Elderly Care

To ensure the well-being of older adults, Pakistan must prioritize the improvement of care systems, healthcare services, community care, and professional training of healthcare providers. Accessible, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare is vital for addressing the unique health needs of older individuals. Enhancing social support networks through family and community involvement is crucial for dignified ageing. Promoting social inclusion of elder people can mitigate the negative impact of isolation on their mental health and dignity. Encouraging intergenerational relationships and mutual respect can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment (Shu et al., 2021). Community-based programs, such as elderly care centers and home care services, can provide valuable support to older adults.

The World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations (UN) have developed UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), a comprehensive 10-year plan to promote healthy ageing, focusing on four interconnected areas for action which include: changing attitudes, feelings, and behavior regarding ageing, community support for elder people, offering person-centered care and long-term care access (Amuthavalli Thiyagarajan et al., 2022).

Aligned with these global initiatives, Pakistan has also taken essential steps to support the elderly population by implementing the Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizen Act 2021, offering facilities like Dar-ul-Shafqat, senior citizen cards, and retirement benefits (“Gazette of Pakistan,” 2021). While these initiatives are remarkable there is still a critical need for additional action and improved support systems to ensure the well-being of the country’s elderly people.

As there is a famous Chinese proverb that says, “An old person is like a treasure to a family,” it serves as a helpful reminder of the priceless knowledge and contributions that older people make to our society. Improving the elderly care systems in Pakistan is critical to preserving their dignity and quality of life. To close current gaps and foster a conducive environment, the government, NGOs, and communities need to work collaboratively. By investing in the well-being of the elderly population, we not only recognize their accomplishments but also build a resilient and caring society for future generations.

References

Alias, A. N., Mokti, K., Ibrahim, M. Y., Saupin, S., & Madrim, M. F. (2023). Elderly abuse and neglect on population health: Literature review and interventions from selected countries. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 44(6), 311-318. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.23.0046

Ageing in the Twenty-First Century: A Celebration and A Challenge. (2012). United Nations Population Fund. https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pubpdf/Ageing%20report.pdf

World Health Organization: WHO. (2024). Ageing and health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health

World Health Organization: WHO. (2024). Ageing. https://www.who.int/health-topics/ageing#tab=tab_1

Shu, Z., Xiao, J., Dai, X., Han, Y., & Liu, Y. (2021). Effect of family “upward” intergenerational support on the health of rural elderly in China: Evidence from Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. PLOS ONE, 16(6), e0253131. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253131