Emerging Issues and Challenges of Ageing
### Unit III: Emerging Issues and Challenges of Ageing (6 hours)
This unit addresses the current and emerging issues related to ageing, focusing on the challenges of an ageing population, abuse and violence against older people, and new research agendas on ageing. It explores the complexities that come with an increasing elderly population and highlights the need for thoughtful policy responses and social awareness. Below is a detailed explanation of each section in this unit.
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### **A. Challenges of an Ageing Population**
1. **Global Population Ageing**
- According to the **WHO's Active Ageing: A Policy Framework (2012)**, population ageing is one of the most significant demographic trends of the 21st century. By 2050, the number of older people globally is expected to surpass the number of children, creating unprecedented social, economic, and political challenges.
- The transition to an ageing society presents challenges in terms of providing adequate healthcare, pension systems, social services, and infrastructure. Older adults require specific care services, which are often lacking, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Nepal.
2. **Economic Implications**
- An ageing population can strain a country’s economic resources. The **Parker & Pant (2009)** study on "Ageing in Nepal: Emerging Issues and Challenges" highlights that in Nepal, a majority of older adults depend on their families for economic support. However, with increased migration of the younger population and the erosion of traditional family support structures, this dependency becomes a significant challenge. Older people may find themselves in poverty, without adequate financial resources or social security systems.
3. **Healthcare Needs**
- The ageing population has unique healthcare needs, including management of chronic diseases, access to specialized geriatric care, and mental health services. However, many developing countries, including Nepal, lack sufficient infrastructure and medical personnel trained to address these needs. This leads to gaps in care, making it difficult for older persons to receive the appropriate health interventions they require.
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### **B. Abuse and Violence Against Older People**
1. **Elder Abuse in Nepal**
- Elder abuse, a growing concern globally, is also a significant issue in Nepal. Abuse may take various forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and neglect. According to the **Geriatric Centre Nepal (2010)** report, cases of elder abuse are often underreported due to the stigma associated with disclosing abuse, as well as the reliance on family members for care. The **baseline study on elder abuse in the Nepali press** highlighted that elder abuse is often perpetrated by family members, caregivers, or close acquaintances, making it difficult for victims to seek help.
2. **Types of Abuse**
- **Ageing Nepal (2011)** documented cases of elder abuse and neglect between 2009 and 2011. The study found that financial exploitation was one of the most common forms of abuse, with many older adults being denied their financial rights by family members or others. Physical and emotional abuse were also frequently reported, often stemming from social and economic tensions within families.
3. **Addressing Elder Abuse**
- To combat elder abuse, both policy interventions and public awareness are necessary. There needs to be stronger enforcement of existing laws and regulations, such as Nepal’s **Senior Citizens Act (2007)**, which provides legal protection for older adults. Additionally, social support systems must be strengthened to provide alternative care options for older people who are vulnerable to abuse within their families.
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### **C. New Research Agendas on Ageing**
1. **UN Research Agenda on Ageing for the 21st Century**
- The **UN Programme on Ageing (2007)** outlined the **Research Agenda on Ageing for the 21st Century**, a joint initiative of the United Nations Programme on Ageing and the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG). The agenda highlights key areas where further research is needed to address the complex issues associated with an ageing population.
- The main objectives of this research agenda include:
- Understanding the diverse experiences of ageing in different cultural and socio-economic contexts.
- Examining the effects of social and economic policies on the well-being of older adults.
- Investigating the impact of migration and globalization on the ageing process.
- Promoting age-friendly environments and addressing social isolation among the elderly.
2. **Emerging Research Topics**
- **Intergenerational Relations**: As families change due to migration and modernization, research is needed on how these shifts affect relationships between generations. In many societies, older adults rely on their children for economic and emotional support, but with the younger generation moving away for employment, these traditional support systems are being strained.
- **Technology and Ageing**: The role of technology in improving the lives of older persons is another emerging area of research. Access to technology can help older adults stay connected with family members, access healthcare services remotely, and manage daily tasks. However, there is a growing digital divide, particularly in developing countries like Nepal, where many older adults may not have access to or familiarity with technology.
- **Gender and Ageing**: Research has shown that the experience of ageing can differ significantly between men and women. Older women, in particular, may face greater challenges due to longer life expectancy, economic dependency, and gender-based discrimination. Studies like those in the UN research agenda emphasize the need to understand the gendered dimensions of ageing and formulate policies that address these inequalities.
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### **Conclusion**
Unit III on "Emerging Issues and Challenges of Ageing" provides an essential understanding of the complexities surrounding an ageing population. From the challenges of healthcare and economic dependency to the critical issue of elder abuse, this unit emphasizes the urgent need for policy interventions and social support systems that cater to the unique needs of older adults.
The international research agenda highlights that more academic work is needed to address these emerging issues, focusing on intergenerational relations, gender dimensions of ageing, and the potential of technology to improve the quality of life for the elderly.
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### Key Readings:
1. **Challenges of Ageing Population**:
- **WHO (2012)**. Active ageing: A policy framework. pp. 33-43.
- **Parker, S., & Pant, B. (2009)**. Ageing in Nepal: Emerging Issues and Challenges.
2. **Abuse and Violence Against Older People**:
- **Geriatric Centre Nepal (2010)**. A baseline study on reported cases of elder abuse in Nepali press.
- **Ageing Nepal (2011)**. Cases of elder abuse and neglect 2009-2011.
3. **New Research Agendas on Ageing**:
- **UN Programme on Ageing (2007)**. Research agenda on ageing for the 21st century, a joint project of the United Nations Programme on Ageing and the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics.
