Alan P Ugargol’s column – Policies should be fixed to take advantage of long life | एलन पी उगरगोल का कॉलम: लंबी उम्र का फायदा उठाने के लिए नीतियां तय हों

Alan P Ugargol Faculty-Public Policy IIM, Bengaluru

Amidst the demographic changes in India and its attendant benefits, longevity is emerging as a new challenge. Due to economic and social changes, employment and economic security opportunities for the elderly are decreasing, which is a matter of concern. This question is present today on International Day of Older Persons.

The elderly are making important contributions to the economic, political and social sectors of the country, but their participation is not getting as much importance as it should in policies and rights. Due to age-related bias and mass retirement policies, the elderly are not only forced out of the working life, but they also face many difficulties in finding new and secure employment.

Rural and poor elders in particular are often forced to take up informal work to escape deep poverty and avoid being dependent on others, where they face low wages and poor working conditions. Also, social security provisions for the elderly are often in name only, leading to uncertainty and distress.

Age-related discrimination often causes older people to face declining physical and mental health, isolation and loneliness. We have to understand that India is at a point where it can take advantage of longer life.

For this, it is necessary that instead of seeing aging as a problem, we see it as a reality and provide better facilities and opportunities for the elderly through systematic public policies.

In this situation, we need to immediately formulate and implement inclusive policies, which are equitable and helpful for the elderly. So that personal independence, health and better life can be created for older people.

Social security programs for the elderly are mostly based on social pensions, but underutilization is a major issue. This is due to lack of information, limited access, lack of awareness and inadequate pension.

Older workers need social support and inclusion as well as training and capacity building programs so that they can learn new skills for their work and find secure and better employment.

To take full advantage of the benefits of longevity, we need to rethink the definition of working age. This should not be decided only on the basis of age, but also on the basis of context. Instead of just focusing on the dependency ratio, let us focus on economic dependency.

There is also a need for change in policies, i.e. move from a need-based policy to a rights-based policy. In need-based policies, the elderly are seen only as recipients of help, whereas in rights-based policies, their independence, means, and identity are ensured. This increases active and productive engagement of the elderly and their hopes and aspirations can be fulfilled. (These are the author’s own views)