Pandemic-hit elderly need healing touch now, Agewell Foundation study says

The Coronavirus pandemic hit everybody in some way or the other, but it is the elderly who have sufered the most. This has been revealed in a study conducted by Agewell Foundation. This survey was conducted to understand the needs and requirements of older persons, which have been changing very fast and in view of on-going Covid-19 threat. It further suggests a “healing touch” is required to help them.  

The National Study, titled ‘Changing Needs of Older Persons in India (with special focus on Current Old Age Care & Support Scenario)’ was conducted between January and February 2021. The report is also available on the United Nation's website for the 11th Session of Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing as a point of reference for concerned stakeholders. See link here.  

Agewell volunteers interacted with 10,000 senior citizens across 27 states/UTs of India. The study revealed that the pandemic has not just affected the health condition of older persons but also marred their social life and psychosocial and financial well-being as well. 

"Current old age health care and social security scenario is very depressing. Government must focus on issues concerning older people, keeping in view the fast changing and ever increasing needs and requirement of the fast growing elderly population of the country. Steps must be undertaken at all levels so that older persons can remain engaged in the mainstream," Himanshu Rath, Founder Chairman of Agewell Foundation said, 

"Elderly care requires not only financial investments. Probably more important than the financial investment is the emotional investment and inter-generational bonding. With the changing nature of the family structure, this relationship has also come under strain. There is a need to recognize this social reality and find a solution - both for strengthening family structures and at the same time, providing for viable alternatives for taking care of the elderly," R. Subrahmanyam, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said.

Salient findings of the Agewell Foundation Study 

1. 64.6% elderly respondents claimed that their health condition is very poor/poor in old age. 
2. According to 23.9% elderly respondents, their health condition is average and almost 11% elderly respondents said that their current health condition is good/better.  
3. In urban areas health condition of elderly is slightly improved as more than a half elderly i.e. 51.2% respondents claimed that their current health condition is good / better. Whereas in rural areas only 19.8% elderly reportedly accepted that their current health condition can be termed as good or better. 
4. Elderly women are living healthier life in old age compared to elderly men. 37.8% elderly women in comparison to 33.2% elderly men were reportedly found enjoying better health. 
5. Less than 1/4th elderly (23.6%) confirmed that they are being benefitted under one or more government sponsored healthcare schemes.  
6. So far as status of existing healthcare schemes / facilities is concerned, according to almost 2/5th elderly respondent's current status of our healthcare system is dismal.  
7. When asked about its impact of Pandemic on their life, most elderly i.e. 29.5% elderly respondents claimed that the Pandemic has largely affected their social life. They gave 1st rank to impact of Covid-19 induced lockdown and restrictions on social life.  
8. Following them 26.0% elderly respondents claimed that Covid-19 situation has affected their health condition most and ranked it as their premier cause of concern.  
9. According to 24.95% elderly, pandemic has caused psychological issues, which was their primary concern.  
10. 57% elderly respondents were not dependent on their children /others for their financial needs and they claimed that they are financially self-dependent or dependent on their respective spouse. 
11. 55.1% elderly respondents are not satisfied with the current financial security system  
12. More than half elderly respondents (52.47%) said that they need skill / soft skills training in old age. 44.9% elderly need self-employment/ gainful engagement opportunities, so that they can remain gainfully engaged.  
13. 68.6% elderly said that there are not adequate numbers of old age homes/shelters.  

Recommendations by Agewell Foundation:  

• Dedicated healthcare services for older people, such as free medical counselling, home-visit, healthcare awareness, hygiene and sanitation services, etc.  
• Registration of all bedridden / disabled / critically ill older persons and door-step medical assistance services for them at local level 
• Multi-activity centres and multi-skilling platforms for retired / young older people  
• Dedicated Helplines for older persons for extending advisory services / grievance redressal / counselling / for various issues i.e. financial, legal, medical, social, safety & security  
• Review of Old age pension and other social benefit distribution schemes and special emphasis on timely and fast delivery of benefits 
• Restructure of Atal Pension Yojana, National Pension Scheme and Swavlamban schemes  
• Higher Tax exemption limit for older people with limited income. 
• National Commission for the Aged, on the lines of National Commission for Women  
• Prime Minister’s Self-Employment Scheme for Old People to offer gainful engagement opportunities to retired older persons