Causes to Support - Old Age
Today
there are 77 million old people in India. This number is likely to rise to 177
million by 2025.
90% of the older people are from unorganized sector
with no social security.
40% of the old live below poverty line.
75% of
the old are from the rural areas.
55% of the women 60+ in age [a staggering
19 million] are widows.
73% of the old are illiterate.
Longevity
has been one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century. There are older
people today than ever before and their number is on the increase.The
last century was also responsible for rapid industrialization and urbanization.
In India these developments brought about major changes in our social structure.
The centuries old joint family system has disintegrated - with it collapsed the
safety net of parents and grandparents.Since
the welfare of the aged has been a low priority with the state they have nowhere
to turn. They are left disillusioned, shattered and lonely.
Issues
- Rights
in Old Age
- Dignity in life and Death
- Shelter
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Rights in Old Age
73%
of the 60+ age group in India are illiterate with a little access to any basic
educational means.
There is an urgent need to provide older people with the
means to lead a full life where they are provided with medical care and nursing.
They need to have access to information, entertainment and the right to make their
own choices.
Some relevant websites:
For United Nations Principles
for Older people, please click here:
www.aoa.dhhs.gov/international/inprrop.html
www.seniorindian.com/
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Dignity
in life and death
Older
people need to be able to lead a full life with dignity, confident that when they
die their last rites will be well taken care of.
Some relevant websites:
www.dignityfoundation.com
www.aarogya.com
www.helpageindia.com
Shelters
A
home with the family is the most desired. However if the children are unable to
take care of their parents, old age homes can provide a viable alternative.There
are very few homes with adequate facilities.
Some relevant websites:
www.bhavnagarvruddhashram.org/
www.indianngos.com/issue/agecare.htm
For
details on Government Schemes for the aged click here:
http://rural.nic.in/gnsap.htm
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