World Children’s and Elders’ Day on October 1:

Ageing, a major challenge to societies

By Pramod DE SILVA

Every year, October 1 is dedicated to two very important segments of the world population: children and elders. They are, perhaps, the opposite sides of the same coin.

Today’s elders were once children. And today’s children will be elders one day. But the world will be a very dull place without them. They make the world a brighter, livelier place.

The International Children’s Day, celebrated in Sri Lanka on October 1 (the date varies in various countries) and the International Day for the Elderly, celebrated worldwide on October 1, are both very significant, because they remind us of the importance of children and elders in society.

Children and elders face many obstacles in today’s commercialised world. Millions of children are trafficked for labour and prostitution; armed groups forcibly recruit children to their ranks; nearly 100 million children are denied the right to education; millions more die before they are five years old due to conflict and disease; girl children face discrimination in many societies; many others are subjected to abuse.

But the challenges facing the elderly are no less serious. Older persons play an invaluable role in all societies - as leaders, care-givers and volunteers – but they too are vulnerable to discrimination, abuse, neglect and violence.

This article focuses on these challenges as the world prepares for the 30th anniversary of the Action Plan on Ageing signed in 1982. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the 1991 United Nations Principles for Older Persons that provide a broader framework for action on ageing.

It was in 1990 that the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day for the Elderly, also known as the 'International Day for Older Persons'. This is the result of the UN World Assembly on Ageing which was formed in 1982 to explore and tend to the needs of the elderly in the world. This is imperative, because one out of every 10 persons is now 60 years or older.

Proportion of elderly

By 2050, one of five will be 60 years or older; by 2150, it will be one out of three persons. Globally, the proportion of persons aged 60 years and older is expected to double between 2000 and 2050, from 10 to 21 percent.

The proportion of children is projected to drop by a third, from 30 to 21 percent. In 2009, an estimated 737 million persons were 60 years or over, nearly two-thirds of whom lived in developing countries. Their number is projected to increase to two billion in 2050, by which time older persons will outnumber children (those up to 14 years).

In certain developed and developing countries, the number of older persons already exceeds the number of children. In some developed countries, the number of older persons will be more than twice that of children by 2050.

The fastest growing group of the older population is the “oldest old” that is, those who are 80 years or more.

In 2000, the oldest old numbered 70 million and their numbers are projected to increase more than five fold over the next 50 years.

In fact, there are suggestions that people will live up to 150-160 years within the next 150 years thanks to advances in medical care and even 'bionic' devices. (The maximum limit today is generally believed to be 120 years) Thus ageing has to be taken even more seriously by governments and societies.

Paradoxically, more people are dying 'young' - at around 50 or 60 years due to factors such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and lung disease. Earlier, this trend was apparent only in developed countries, but with rapid development, countries with emerging economies are also facing the same problem. Studies on longevity (and even immortality) must necessarily address this issue, along with viable medical solutions.

Unfortunately, some young people in developing countries do not even live up to five years, leave alone old age. Diseases which are easily preventable and curable claim millions of lives of infants and young children every year, especially in the poorest parts of the world including Sub-Saharan Africa. They too will live to a ripe old age if the world can get together to prevent and cure these maladies. A fraction of the annual cumulative defence spending of rich countries can put this right.

It is in this context that the 18 Principles agreed upon by UN Member States, framed as 18 entitlements that older persons "should have" should be given more prominence.

Status of elders

They are organised into five areas relating to the status of older persons: independence; participation; care; self-fulfilment; and dignity. Under Independence, the UN specifies that: Older persons should have access to adequate food, water, shelter, clothing and healthcare through the provision of income, family and community support and self-help; older persons should have the opportunity to work or to have access to other income- generating opportunities; older persons should be able to participate in determining when and at what pace withdrawal from the labour force takes place; older persons should have access to appropriate educational and training programs; Older persons should be able to live in environments that are safe and adaptable to personal preferences and changing capacities; older persons should be able to reside at home for as long as possible. (The last one is especially appropriate at a time when children in many societies try to send their parents to homes for the aged).

While many countries have made impressive achievements with regard to the welfare of older citizens vis-à-vis the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), more needs to be done. For example, in many countries older persons have benefited from reduced rates of poverty and hunger, improved access to medicines and health services, and greater education and work opportunities.

The United Nations has called for granting universal access to social services; increasing the number and worth of pension plans; and creating laws and policies that prevent age and gender discrimination in the workplace.

With just four years left before the 2015 MDG deadline, governments must offer financial, legal and social protection that will lift millions of older persons out of poverty and ensure their right to productive and healthy lives. These points are reflected in this year's theme for the Elders Day: "The Growing Opportunities and Challenges of Global Ageing".

But governments alone cannot be expected to handle the challenges posed by an ageing population, the so-called 'Silver Generation'. The society does have a role to play. The Elders Day should be celebrated in our homes first.

Care and respect

We must care for and show respect to our elders, be they parents, grandparents or elderly relatives. Indeed, any elderly person deserves our care and respect. These values must be inculcated in the minds of children. Religious leaders have a special role in this regard.

Our social institutions must be strengthened to raise care levels for elderly citizens. Fulfilling the physical, psychological and emotional needs of elders is the key to keeping them healthy and happy. Neglecting these basics could lead to various physical ailments, psychological and emotional disorders and even death in some cases. Elders need attention and care at all times.

This is not only in physical terms (gifts, food, accommodation etc) but also in terms of 'quality time'. We must spare time for the elderly, share their happiness and woes and look into their concerns. Remember, we will all be elders one day. How will the younger generation treat us if we do not treat our elders properly?

It is only through such a basic approach that we could collectively fulfil the noble goals espoused by the UN with regard to elders. Today, elders can lead dignified lives thanks to better social care, medical facilities, opportunities for self-enhancement and many other factors. They can and do make a huge contribution to the world we live in - the world needs their guidance, acumen and wisdom. As we celebrate yet another World Children's and Elders' Day on October 1, we must reaffirm our commitment to protect and nurture both these groups.