Senior citizens
Photo: Shehab Uddin / Driknews
With the improvement in the healthcare sector, the longevity of people has gone up significantly. This in turn has resulted in the society having a substantial number of senior citizens. The population of elders in Bangladesh has considerably increased. But what has of late stirred up the conscience of society is that majority of the elders are being increasingly deprived of their dues. In the twilight of their lives a significant number of the senior citizens are being compelled to fend for themselves without any support or care. Worse, many are deprived, neglected, abused by their near and dear ones for whose comfort they had contributed significantly in their prime. It is very distressing to note that care for the elderly has been found wanting in Bangladesh in spite of the strong cultural and religious ethos which puts the onus of caring for the elderly on the children. The changing values and increasingly insensitive society have contributed to the present plight of the elders. The inability to contribute to the earnings of the family due to advancing age, increased cost of medication contributes to giving rise to the feeling that the elder has become a liability. Apart from being denied their dues, neglect and the feeling of loneliness, the senior citizens, more so those who belong to weaker sections of society, are not getting the necessary healthcare facilities. The health are sector of the country is still not equipped to tackle the problems of the elderly patients. A comprehensive healthcare scheme for the elderly needs to be formulated taking into account their special needs. Along with doctors, Bangladesh also needs a dedicated team of paramedics specialized in geriatric care for the elderly patients whose numbers are rising. A geriatric professional will be able to handle an elderly patient's physical, mental and psychosocial health and chalk out programmes according to individual needs. Society too needs to be responsive to help the elders lead a life with dignity. The elders on their part should never feel despondent and should lead life with a positive outlook and be actively involved with different activities. With old age being a reality, one needs to prepare for it in the prime of life itself.
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