Problems of aged people under the changing social system

Pages: 46-48
Mahak and Vinod Kumari (Pt. BD Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana and Department of Sociology, CCS HAU, Hisar, Haryana)

Aging is a natural phenomenon and is associated with several changes in physical and mental strength along with
social changes in the life of a person. With the advancement of age, the elderly people face several health problems due to biological changes in the body. The present paper review health and social problems of aged people under the changing social system. Results of studies point that the elderly suffers from multiple morbidities, which they often attribute to ageing. The social problems faced by elderly are neglect, discrimination, deprivation and sometime violence by family members; social isolation, loneliness and depression due to changing family structures- joint to nuclear family system, migration of young people to cities for better employment opportunities and lack of interest among new generation regarding family values; and lack of resources and support system for aged people. There is urgent need to make efforts to ensure respectful and healthy life of elderly people by providing emotional support from family and society. Social structure should accounts for the needs of the aged as well as their mental health; family members should spend time with them or keep communicating with them through telephone in case they are living away; family members should respect the elderly people, ask them for advices and discuss with them family history and traditions; spread awareness about human rights of elderly people and expansion of call centres and health services to cater specifically to the needs of aged people .