Demographic changes and policy priorities

Rights activists have quite rightly expressed their concern over the neglect the country's aged population does largely face today. They have reportedly emphasised at a function held in the capital city last Friday the need for revival of social value of giving the elderly people due respect. What is important here is a pro-active social stance, to be ably supported by the government, aimed at ensuring elderly people's rights. The bottom line is to create an environment where senior citizens can lead a dignified life, both socially and economically, while making good use of their wisdom and experience for the benefit of the nation.
The number of elderly people in this country will double soon. This fact alone brings to the fore the need for the state to undertake targeted social safety net programmes for the elderly citizens. Facilities at healthcare centres and transportation arrangements merit here particular attention. The private sector has also to be involved with this process. This is because a large number of the country's elderly people often neglected by the family, society and state, are being deprived of their basic rights. The government has to formulate an effective policy to protect such elderly people's rights. Actions like providing senior citizen with certificates, health, social insurance benefits etc., in deserving cases, are important for the purpose.
Elderly people in certain cases are assets rather than liabilities. In this context, it would be worthwhile to note the observations that were made in the 'Demographic Impact Study' report of the Planning Commission. This report was prepared to map out the course of action in many priority areas of development during the Seventh Five Year Plan period, beginning with the current fiscal year (FY), 2015-16, and terminating in FY 2020-21. Bangladesh, according to the report, will 'grow old before it grows rich'. Taking this factor into consideration, the report mentions the need for planning something to match with the country's changing demographic scenario. Some effective policy actions are here pressing needs, both for taking advantage of the demographic dividend. Unfortunately there is no coordinated initiative to do this. The National Policy on Older Persons has been formulated by the government. But there is still no formal announcement about what will be done with nearly 10 million people who are considered elderly. There is also the Parents Maintenance Act in place but nothing has so far been done to enforce its provisions.
The speedy implementation of the National Policy on Older Persons brooks no delay. There is a need for tabbing the vital areas where exceptionally capable senior citizens can contribute. A pool can be formed from among them for taking the benefits of their wisdom and experience to help tackle a number of relevant socio-economic issues in the context of the country's development priorities. Such a pool of retired but still active persons can contribute to addressing some of the challenges that the country faces in dealing with many of its complex issues. The younger generation needs to be enriched with the practical knowledge and expertise gathered by the elderly one.