Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World

“A society that does not value its older people denies its root and endangers its future.”- Nelson Mandela. Many of us fear growing old, not because growing old is bad but because of the discriminatory practices in the society towards older persons. Ageing is inevitable. The United Nations (UN) states that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities, thus severely impacting the socioeconomic, environmental, health and climate related impacts on the lives of older persons, especially older women who constitute the majority of older persons. While older women continue to meaningfully contribute to their political, civil, economic, social and cultural lives; their contributions and experiences remain largely invisible and disregarded, limited by gendered disadvantages accumulated throughout the life course. The intersection between discrimination based on age and gender, compounds new and existing inequalities, including negative stereotypes that combine ageism and sexism. The theme for the United Nations International Day of Older Persons which is celebrated on October 1 is “Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World.” The day is set aside to pay attention to the particular needs and challenges faced by many older people. Among the areas of concern is the higher prevalance of poverty among this subgroup. The theme of International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP) serves as a hallmark and reminder of the significant role older women play in traversing global challenges and contributing to their solutions with resilience and fortitude. Unfortunately, in many societies there is an exclusion of sorts regarding the treatment of older persons, especially women. Societies should recognize the critical contributions of older women and promote the inclusion of their voices, perspectives and needs, critical to creating meaningful policies to enhance a holistic response to local, national, and global challenges and catastrophes. The need to embrace the voices of older women and showcase their resilience and contributions in society is urgent. The UN adds there is a need to promote policy dialogues to enhance the protection of human rights and recognize their contributions to sustainable development. A longer life brings with it opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for societies as a whole. Additional years provide the chance to pursue new activities such as further education, a new career or pursuing a long neglected passion. Older people also contribute in many ways to their families and communities. Background An older person is defined by the United Nations as a person who is over 60 years of age. The composition of the world population has changed dramatically in recent decades. Between 1950 and 2010, life expectancy worldwide rose from 46 to 68 years. Globally, there were 703 million persons aged 65 or over in 2019. The region of Eastern and South-Eastern Asia was home to the largest number of older persons (261 million), followed by Europe and Northern America (over 200 million). Over the next three decades, the number of older persons worldwide is projected to more than double, reaching more than 1.5 billion persons in 2050. All regions will see an increase in the size of the older population between 2019 and 2050. The largest increase (312 million) is projected to occur in Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, growing from 261 million in 2019 to 573 million in 2050. The fastest increase in the number of older persons is expected in Northern Africa and Western Asia, rising from 29 million in 2019 to 96 million in 2050 (an increase of 226 per cent). The second fastest increase is projected for sub-Saharan Africa, where the population aged 65 or over could grow from 32 million in 2019 to 101 million in 2050 (218 per cent). By contrast, the increase is expected to be relatively small in Australia and New Zealand (84 per cent) and in Europe and Northern America (48%), regions where the population is already significantly older than in other parts of the world. Jamaica The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) states approximately, 31.8 per cent of households in Jamaica have at least one member who is 60 years old or older. The PIOJ adds, elderly people account for up 9 per cent of the population and that total is expected to grow to 17 per cent by 2030. The National Council for Senior Citizens, a department in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security work in collaboration with other stakeholders to impact the National Policy for Senior Citizens. Ageism Medical News Today, defines ageism as prejudice or discrimination against people based on their age. It typically applies to people who are older but can also affect young people. Ageism has a negative impact on physical and mental health, and reports link it with earlier death. Those of us who are now in middle age have firsthand knowledge of how difficult promotions are after 50. There are many ways to categorize ageism. Terms that describe where ageism takes place include: institutional ageism, which occurs when an institution perpetuates ageism through its actions and policies, interpersonal ageism, which occurs in social interactions, internalized ageism, which is when a person internalizes ageist beliefs and applies them to themselves. Ageism can also vary according to a situation. For example, hostile ageism involves someone having openly aggressive beliefs about age, such as, teenagers are violent or dangerous. By contrast, benevolent ageism involves someone having patronizing beliefs towards people based on their age, such as that older adults are childlike and require guidance with basic tasks. Another way to categorize ageism depends on whether a person is conscious of it or not. If they are, this is known as explicit ageism. If they are not aware of it, this is known as implicit ageism. For example, if a doctor unintentionally treats older and younger patients differently, this would be implicit ageism. Interrogating a Cultural Mindset Retirement Planning Education is often an afterthought for many. As human beings there are numerous aspects to our being more than the spiritual; our churches should do more regarding the 'Ministry of the Elderly'. Additionally, our education system needs an infusion in the national curriculum to examine perspectives of the elderly and ageing in a changing world. Unfortunately, many societies do not focus on providing needed services for older persons against a mindset that they are no longer contributing members of society. We have all seen the long lines at the post offices where the elderly queue for hours in order to obtain a pittance which in most times cannot even provide for their medication. The government's Social Pension Programme for the Elderly aged 75 years and older should be strengthened. One area which should be explored is that of adding a burial grant. The elderly should have access to affordable medical care and housing. Regrettably, as the society moves towards digitalization many older persons are being left behind; this is concerning and must be addressed. Every society should have a national senior citizen policy which clearly outlines the services the State offers and how to access these services by those who are especially most in need. The time to interrogate our skewed cultural mindset surrounding the elderly is now. Let us also remember in this discourse the caregivers who oftentimes are 'invisible'. In order to achieve and maintain sustainable development there needs to be an inclusive society where the voices of all, especially older persons can be heard and acted upon. Happy International Day of Older Persons. In the words of Aparna Verma, love and respect old age people because you are aging too. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #InternationalDayOfOlderPersons