Career in elderly care

Ranjan K Baruah *

We grow from childhood to adulthood and there will be many challenges when we become old. We should be aware that by 2050, it is estimated that 1 in every 6 people will be aged 65 or over, increasing the vulnerability experienced by older persons to violence and around 1 in 6 people 60 years and older experienced some form of abuse in community settings during the past year.

The serious concern is that elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences and it is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations.

This year's World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), with the theme "Spotlight on Older Persons in Emergencies," emphasizes the urgent need to protect and support older individuals during crises. The day is observed on 15th June around the world.

It calls on governments, international donors, organizations, and communities to prioritize the safety and well-being of older persons in their emergency preparedness and response strategies. We can reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of older persons, ensuring that no one is left behind, especially in times of crisis.

Between 2019 and 2030, the number of persons aged 60 years or over is projected to grow by 38%, from 1 billion to 1.4 billion, globally outnumbering youth, and this increase will be the greatest and the most rapid in the developing world, and recognizing that greater attention needs to be paid to the specific challenges affecting older persons, including in the field of human rights.

According to the World Health Organization, elder abuse can be defined as "a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship, where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person." Elder abuse can take various forms such as physical, psychological or emotional, sexual and financial abuse. It can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect.

The United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) is a global collaboration, aligned with the last ten years of the Sustainable Development Goals, to improve the lives of older people, their families, and the communities in which they live. There are many programmes around the world for the older persons.

In India, The National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) was announced in 1999 to reaffirm the commitment to ensure the well-being of older persons. The Policy envisages State support to ensure financial and food security, health care, shelter and other needs of older persons, equitable share in development, protection against abuse and exploitation, and availability of services to improve the quality of their lives.

As ageing is a concern and it is an issue we can think of different career options and opportunities related to elderly people. When there are any challenges we have to also think of solutions and engage elderly people in a positive way and giving them their rights could be a career option for many people in a country like India or even abroad. We have to ensure that their health is taken care of and they get space to participate in different activities.

Few career options related to elderly include geriatric physicians , geriatric care giver , nursing assistant , recreation therapist , hearing aid specialists , fitness instructor , occupational therapists , audiologists , patient advocate , social worker , etc .

There are special courses which can be opted by aspirants who would like to work with senior citizens. Jobs are available in the government sector and also in development sectors. Skilled caregivers may even go abroad and work and earn for themselves.

The Government of India is implementing various schemes and programmes, through different Ministries and Departments for care and welfare of senior citizens. These include shelter, food, healthcare, financial security, social security, awareness, recreation etc. There is no shortage of jobs for qualified and skilled individuals in this field.