| Household Surveys-
Highlights : A household survey for need assessment was conducted by the
students of the 6 Month Course in all the four regions of India- North,
North-East, South and East. On the basis of a door-to-door survey, problems
of the elderly were categorised in 4 main categories :
- Economic
- Health
- Disability
- Social
In Delhi, the survey showed that the most prevalent health
problems among the elderly were mental handicap, orthopedic and ophthalmic
problems. However, one or another kind of disability also contributed
to a significant chunk of the problems. Loneliness, no source of income
and unemployment were found to be the most prevalent socio-economic problem
among the elderly in Delhi. Lack of adjustment, no source of income, non-fulfillment
of basic needs, alcoholism/drug addiction and chronic illness were the
major problems reported in the Kolkata household survey.
In Imphal, social problems among the females and disability
among the males were the most prevalent problems among the older person.
Alcoholism/drug addiction followed by the disability among the males and
abuse by elders among females were common problems of Kolkata Region,
unlike in Delhi and Hyderabad. Loneliness, no-source of income, unemployment,
joints pains orthopedic problems were reportedly more common among the
elderly of South India.
Regional Surveys- Summary : A feeling
of loneliness was the most common social problem found among elderly from
all the regions. However, the problem of lack of adjustment among the
elderly in Kolkata and abuse by elders in Imphal regions were found to
be significantly higher. Unemployment, unfulfillment of basic needs and
no source of income were found to be universally prevalent among the older
persons in all the four regions. Orthopedic and ophthalmic problems were
very high in the elderly from northern and southern regions of the nation.
Documentation
The National policy seeks to assure the
senior citizen that they will not live unprotected, ignored and marginalized.
It contains such welfare measures as financial security, health care,
shelter, welfare, protection against abuse and exploitation, opportunities
for productive empowerment.
Geriatric Care : A user
friendly booklet has been brought out by NISD both
in Hindi and English giving details about the schemes run by the Ministries
and Departments stating their objectives, eligibility criteria, benefits
and how to access these benefits. Application forms prescribed for availing
the benefit of these schemes are also a part of this booklet. |
