Senior citizens call for an inclusive poll agenda

Inclusion of geriatric care lessons in textbooks and strengthening of primary health-care facilities for the elderly are on the list of demands put forth for the consideration of policymakers against the backdrop of Lok Sabha elections

Senior citizens flanked by their kin at polling stations always draw attention during elections. For the majority of octogenarians and nonagenarians, it is one of the rarest occasions for socialising. The welfare needs of this segment continue to be a personal or family affair in most cases amidst the yet-to-be met public expectations.

A recent report of the United Nations Population Fund estimates that about 22% of the State’s population will be senior citizens by 2036 against the projected national average of 15%. In 2021, it was only 16.1%. Though life expectancy, as a result of improved medical support and social security projects, stands at 75.2 in Kerala, they expect more from the government to ensure a purposeful life. 

Though Kerala is one of the first State to have an old age policy in 2013, the welfare facilities aimed by this did not gain the expected reach at the grassroots. Projects such as elderly-friendly panchayats, Vayomithram, Vayo Amrutham, Mandhahasam and Sayamprabha rehabilitation homes are yet to reach many underprivileged groups in rural areas. 

“The formation of panchayat-level committees for senior citizens is still a non-starter. It is necessary to plan and implement government or private-supported welfare projects for them,” says K.P. Kunhammadkutty, MLA, and chairperson of the Legislative Committee on the Welfare of Senior Citizens. He says elderly care should be incorporated as a lesson in school texts. 

Mr. Kunhammadkutty also feels that the majority of senior citizens are yet to be aware of the government’s welfare schemes. “Only trivial issues come before the grievances redressing committees, which can be addressed only with an improved awareness,” he says. 

T.P. Meharoof Raj, former Superintendent of Kozhikode Government General Hospital who was instrumental in the formation of several welfare projects for the elderly, says the strengthening of the primary health-care system with doctors trained in geriatric care is a prime requirement. Imparting health education with focus on mental and physical health of the aged ones should also get priority, he says.

“Our public transport system has to be elderly-friendly. More initiatives are required to make public places comfortable for them. They should get better public recreation facilities and gathering spots,” says Dr. Raj, who also demands opening of quality care homes and rehabilitation centres.