The challenge of ageing

Ageing and hence old age itself, are facts of life that we cannot ignore or stop. Each passing year, we grow old. Thanks to advances in medical technology and general living standards, more people are living to a ripe old age than ever before. There are villages in many countries where most people are over 80 years old. In fact, a large number of people around the world have reached the magical figure of 100 years.

Many countries, including Sri Lanka, are grappling with the problem of accommodating an increasing ‘silver generation’ in the socio-economic set-up. Keeping the ageing population happy and productive has become a priority of economic and social planners everywhere.

Are there countries where the older people are happier than in other countries? It would appear so, judging by the results of a global index that has ranked countries by this criterion. HelpAge International’s Global AgeWatch has placed Sri Lanka is the 36th place in the list of best countries for the older people while Sweden is (predictably) number one; South Asia’s Afghanistan is the worst. The Global AgeWatch Index is the first global index to rank countries according to the social and economic well-being of older people.

Sweden's top ranking is followed by Norway, Germany, the Netherlands and Canada. The US, still the world's richest country despite certain economic issues, is in eighth place, while the UK is at No 13. Sri Lanka’s overall index value of 57.3 means that older people’s well-being in Sri Lanka is 57.3 percent of the ideal (100), giving it a shortfall of 32.6 percentage points below the best-performing country, Sweden (89.9).

Levels

In South Asia, Pakistan is at 89, despite similar levels of gross domestic product (GDP). Brazil and China rank relatively high on the index and India and Russia sit much lower.

Sri Lanka has received a special mention from Mark Gorman, director of the HelpAge International advocacy group. “The top-ranked countries are what you would expect, but Scandinavian countries were not wealthy when they [introduced] universal pensions.

“The older population in Sri Lanka today is benefiting from good basic education and healthcare – those countries made certain policy choices. Everybody faces scarce resources, but they should not forget that when they make investment decisions, they should also address issues of old age.”

Indeed, Sri Lanka’s health and social indicators have always been almost on par with those of the developed world. It is thus not surprising that Sri Lanka occupies a fairly good position in the ranking. Older Sri Lankans rank their social connections, physical safety and civic freedom highly.

This, and Sri Lanka’s overall position in the Index, is consistent with the country’s Human Development Index (HDI) ranking. There is no doubt that welfare measures such as free education and healthcare have helped today’s elders earlier in their lives. Sri Lanka’s Government pension scheme, at least for public servants, is another boon. There is, however, room for improvement.

In arriving at their conclusions, the compilers used 13 indicators under four headings: income security, healthcare, employment and education, and an enabling environment. All indicators have equal weight, except for pension income coverage, life expectancy at 60, healthy life expectancy at 60, and psychological well-being.

While healthcare is very important for an ageing population, there is another factor that helps them live longer – being productive. An idle mind is the worst enemy of old age. On the other hand, an active mind often keeps many diseases at bay and gives the elderly a reason to enjoy life to the fullest.

This is why many countries are revising the pensionable age to 60 or even 65, depending on the nature of employment. This way, they get to work for a longer period and hopefully, receive a bigger pension when they finally retire. Societies also face the challenge of finding more informal jobs for the elderly which can keep them occupied and satisfied.

Also, in the light of developments related to longevity, insurance companies have to re-evaluate their policy criteria. Many insurance companies are reluctant to provide life (and travel) cover to those above 60. With many people passing this landmark easily without any health complications, it is time for them to be more flexible. The premiums could be a little higher, but it is unfair to deny them insurance cover altogether simply because they are old.

The concept of ‘retirement homes’ has also caught on in many countries.

Communities

These are like-minded communities of elderly people who can collectively pursue their passions and interests (such as book clubs, knitting) in a relaxed setting. There are no grandchildren to look after, though children and grandchildren visit regularly. There are doctors and caregivers on board and food is provided on request. They can also take part in sports activities. Although this concept is often derided in the Orient as being akin to a “home for the aged”, it is not so in the West.

There is no particular secret to ageing gracefully, apart from the fact that age is really a state of the mind. The term “Young at Heart” surmises this really well. A stress-free environment, a balanced diet, enough mental and physical exercise are also essential. However, there is often no way to escape from the physical effects of ageing including certain illnesses and health complications. But we have not stopped trying to look youthful despite the advancing years.

Science and medicine are catching up fast with old age. While there are so-called age-reversal cosmetics on the market, scientists are trying to introduce medicines and biological formulae which can actually slow down ageing. Immortality remains the holy grail of anti-ageing research, but scientists predict that a lifespan of at least 150 years will be achievable several decades down the road. One other path to the same goal is the introduction of “bionic” aides which can replace human organs.

Such cutting-edge research may take decades to reach practicality - and the Third World. In the meantime, all countries must take steps to ensure better social welfare schemes that actually help their citizens to live longer, like Sri Lanka has done for decades.