Paving the way for the ageing population

Population of over 60 year olds in Sri Lanka to grow by 22% in 2030

By Rashika Fazali

The population of over 60 year olds in Sri Lanka is estimated to grow by 22 per cent by 2030, stated retired Deputy Director of Social Services and Guest of Honour John Thamber at the NGO Forum on Ageing (NFOA) held recently at the BMICH.

He added that in 1953, the population of over 60 year olds rose to 5.3 per cent, and doubled in 2003.

The total population in Sri Lanka in 1988 rose to 18.7 million while in 1994 it rose by 2.4 million and by 2030 is expected to grow by five million. The life expectancy of males from 1946 to 1947 was 46.6 per cent, while for females it was 44.7 per cent.  

However, from 1980 to 1981, life expectancy for males rose to an impressive 67.7 per cent and for females to 72.1 per cent. The most recent statistics from 2000 to 2001 show life expectancy for males at 68.1 per cent while for females it is at 76.1 per cent. Thamber further asserted that the ageing population was the fastest growing population in Asia.

Thamber stated that there were four factors that impact ageing rapidly. He first revealed that having intergeneration imbalances and no family support systems makes up as the first factor. Secondly, social impact can help increase ageing rapidly as there is a greater dependency of the elders on the youth. Economically, there will be labour issues as more and more aged people are left without a job due to the age factor even though they have great skill and experience.

With regard to the fourth factor, Thamber said: “One fifth of the working population consists of elders.” However, many factors can be eliminated or reduced if active ageing is used.

In order to live well, live longer and be academically challenged even in old age, three factors are looked at in active ageing. Firstly, ageing should be promoted to create awareness on how it happens over a period of time. It also looks at promoting health and preventing diseases. Secondly, it proposes how to maintain health at every stage through food consumption, behavioural patterns, psychological factors, etc. The last factor considered is recognising and treating seniors as the most valuable members of society. It also looks at how to help them prolong independence and what services society has to offer to the elders.

Due to the rapid growth, a one-of-a-kind organisation such as the NFOA has come forward to help and care the ageing population by creating public awareness on the rapid ageing growth. It also focuses on serving as the voice for senior citizens ensuring recognition and protection of their rights. However, NFAO was formed due to one main reason – formed due to global concern in longevity.

‘Honouring Senior Citizens,’ an award ceremony held for the first time since NFAO’s inception by founder Manel Abeysekara in 1999, the United Nations International Year to the Older Persons through the Sri Lanka Women’s conference, felicitated 10 ladies and 10 gentlemen over the age of 75 who have retired and contributed towards the welfare of society and the country.

Also speaking at the forum, retired senior bureaucrat of the Sri Lankan Government and Chief Guest at the event Deshamanya Bradman Weerakoon said: “We are old people. Is there any further use for us? Or are we all waiting in the department lounge waiting for the plane that will take us to the next world? I think we have an option – to wait. Each one of us has something to do – maybe a painting, a memoir to put down or a visit to make? But what more, the exciting 21st century we live in makes that possible – and a lot more!”

In addition, he spoke about the advances in science and technology that have changed quite a lot for the ageing population. “We can live longer if we try. We have better healthcare and medication that even include organ transplants, “said Weerakoon, further stating, “That is not all, we can get around the world better, more comfortably and quickly. There are also faster communication methods such as the mobile, SMS and the internet. We are better informed from home with such hi-tech devices such as the iPad. If I wanted an eBook, I could certainly used my iPad and download it. Everything is possible in this world today.”

However, Weerakoon believes the ageing population has a tremendous advantage if technology is mastered well: “We will have a unique experience as we were born in the 1930s, having endured hardships, known triumphs and disasters among many. As the professionals say, ‘you must change the game’. This game alone will let you update yourselves. You can’t just say you are old for it. You have got to learn and open your mind to the new ways.”

In learning to adapt to the modern ways and fighting ageing with technology, this year the forum gave special attention to one of the 20 recipients, former MP for Matugama Daya Pasquel, the oldest recipient of an award at the age of 100. He mentioned that he had been a vegetarian all his life and had refrained from smoking and consuming alcohol. Now isn’t that ageing actively?

NFAO Vice President Reggie De Zoysa asserted: “The people we have honoured are not just ordinary people. They are some of Sri Lanka’s leading scientists, doctors, entrepreneurs, dancers, authors, and teachers who have effortlessly help this nation. Though we have existed for 13 years, we have not received a penny from the State, but from our donors. We will carry on regardless. We will never give up.”

This concept to honour senior citizens sprang to life through Mano Candappa and marked World Elders Day, which was celebrated worldwide on 1 October.

Pix by Upul Abayasekara