The Global AgeWatch Index 2014 has ranked India a lowly 69th among 96 countries it has ranked on how friendly the countries are for senior citizens.
It performs best in the enabling environment domain (52), a significant increase from its 2013 ranking (72) due to an increase in sense of civic freedom (77%) and satisfaction with public transport (69%).
It performs moderately in the capability domain (55), with near the regional average values for employment (55.8%), but low values for educational attainment among older people (20.3%).
It ranks low in the income security domain (71), with poor pension income coverage (28.9%). However, it has low old age poverty (5.1%) and high relative welfare for its region. It ranks lowest in the health domain (87), with below regional average values on all health indicators.
Life expectancy at the Age of 60 in India is estimated to be 17 years, while the estimated number of healthy years is on about 12.6. Only about 28% of those above the age of 65 receive any pension and the rest are dependent on their own savings or their children.
The most worrisome finding is that the country does not seem to have any clear National policy on ageing. Unless concrete steps are taken in defining a national level policy on ageing, it is going to be very difficult to see any great improvement in India’s ranking in the future. With the pressure of increasing population in this segment, things can easily go downhill very quickly.
The top 10 countries to grow old is are:
- Norway
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Canada
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Iceland
- USA
- Japan
- New Zealand
For a more detailed anaysis, go here.
(https://www.helpage.org/global-agewatch/population-ageing-data/country-ageing-data/?country=India )
A lot of activities are being planned by various organizations during the first week of October in view of the Elders’ day.
Bhiwadi – NCR township on NH 8 is all set to host 2 days senior citizen sports and culture activities. ‘Jashan’ as the event titled, is a unique initiative by Active senior living a retirement housing venture of Ashiana Housing Limited. The 2 days extravaganza on will take place on Sep27- 28, 2014 will witness participation of over 500 Senior citizens from Jaipur and Lavasa retirement communities. Some of the key sports activities being took place during ‘Jashan’ will be table tennis tournaments, badminton, chess, a mini marathon besides sports activities there are competitions like flower arrangements, salad making singing, dancing. On the second a glittering ramp show, showcasing the theme of Bride & Groom will be organised where senior citizen will walk the ramp.
Earlier today, we addressed a ladies club at a defence colony in Chennai. The purpose of the meeting was two-fold, one to tell them about the products we have and the other to get suggestions of products they may want us to deal with.
Kungumam – A Tamil Magazine brings out another magazine/supplement called Thozhi and they recently brought out an Independence Day issue covering many aspects of senior life in India.
SAMBALPUR: In a bid to provide safety to elderly citizens, who are becoming easy target of criminals, SP Prateek Mohanty launched a Senior Citizen Security Cell here on Tuesday.
Udhavi – A volunteer group that provides companionship services to elders in their area was covered by the Hindu last week. Excerpts below.
On Google, there is a facility by which you can set “Alerts” on specific keywords and phrases. Whenever a new article, or web page with the specified words is added/created, Google sends you a mail with the link to the relevant page.
Dignity Foundation Chennai Chapter is launching their “Legal Clinic” at Dignity Foundation Office on August 13th.
Delhi Development Authority has drafted a proposal to create the biggest housing project for the elderly built with government participation in the country. Spread over 24 acres in Rohini, the plan is to construct around 4,500 one-room flats for the elderly on rental basis with common kitchens, canteens, medical and recreational facilities.