Busy > What Are Some Issues of middle-class senior citizens in India?
30th Sep 2022
Issues faced by middle class Indian seniors
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What Are Some Issues of middle-class senior citizens in India?

We all know our lives are getting longer due to better living conditions and improved health care. Although it is a great thing to live to old age, like 60 years and beyond, there are many challenges that we need to address. It is usually not until we are older or see someone we love struggling that we recognise how significant it is to spend more attention on the ageing population. This article will discuss the most pressing issues facing seniors today and how we can help them age with dignity. Below in the post, you will know the problems faced by seniors in India and their solutions.

What are senior citizens problems and solutions in India?

India’s senior population is among the fastest growing in the world. India currently has the second largest global ageing population. According to surveys, the top concerns of senior citizens in India are healthcare costs, financial support, and isolation. 

1. Ageism and a loss of purpose

Many outdated stereotypes of seniors can lead to isolation or marginalisation in many communities. We can help seniors to feel connected to the community by finding innovative ways to include them in social events. 

2. Physical Infrastructure

The main barrier to comforting the problems of the seniors in India Wikipedia is the lack of infrastructure. Only a handful of purpose-built homes and public ramps are available for those with mobility issues, such as those who require wheelchair access. Many older citizens will need better infrastructure access due to their increasing age and chronic illnesses. This is true for their homes and public spaces like malls and roads.

3. Insufficient financial support

There is little financial assistance available for seniors from the public or private sector. According to studies, only a tiny proportion of Indians qualify for retirement plans. Senior medical insurance is uncommon and has a dismal track history of payouts. However, healthcare costs continue to rise in old age. Older generations may struggle to make plans and control their finances. 

4. Rapid Socio-Economic Transformation

Rapid socio-economic changes include more nuclear families, making elder care management more challenging. This is particularly true for NRI kids who love their ageing parents. It is not surprising that the ability to manage home care for seniors can get challenging. Many elder home care providers are not in touch with each other and often don’t talk to one another. These services include caregivers, physiotherapists, and nursing agencies.

5. Inadequacy of companionship

Senior citizens living alone often suffer from loneliness and isolation, sometimes made worse by ill health or inability to move around. Seniors aged 60 years or more are most concerned about loneliness and isolation. Senior citizens can become isolated and develop depression or other mental disorders. It can benefit everyone if you build a strong relationship with your parents and include them in your daily life.

6. Problems with old age include bed-wetting or incontinence

Incontinence is more common in women due to weaker pelvic muscles than in men due to larger prostate glands. Stress incontinence is caused by laughing, bending, or sneezing as these activities put stress or pressure on the bladder. Urge incontinence can be caused by bladder contractions, while functional incontinence occurs when the person forgets to use the toilet. It doesn’t matter what the cause of incontinence is; you can take proactive steps to address it. Professional help is available to improve the management of the condition. 

Emoha App

With the Emoha app, you get access to 24/7 emergency support for non-medical & medical emergencies alike that can be availed from any place in India within seconds. You also get exclusive benefits like travel booking assistance, special discounts on travel & medicines, a helpdesk for daily support, and much more. You can also read exclusively tailored blogs for seniors on several topics ranging from health to well-being to entertainment. Download the app from Google Playstore or iOS App Store.

Conclusion

Problems of India’s middle-class seniors can be decisively solved. Many programs are already in place to make seniors’ lives more comfortable and enjoyable. These programs include incentives for caregivers and longer-term care facilities. They also offer extended healthcare plans for seniors. India’s senior citizens are often overlooked. Although the government is trying to provide for their medical needs, it does not have enough resources to meet its social needs. So that senior citizens don’t become a burden to their families or the government in later life, social safety nets must be established.

FAQ

What are the issues that senior citizens in India face?

Age discrimination and a lack of purpose
Financial uncertainty
Difficulties with everyday chores and movement
Choosing the most appropriate quality care
A dearth of Emergency Response Infrastructure
Need for companionship

What are the problems faced by middle-class families in India?

Disparities may persist along instructional, geographic, cultural, and generational lines. Even as more jobs are available, maintaining a middle-class style of life continues to remain challenging because wages are not going to grow at the same rate as the cost of healthcare, shelter, childcare, education, and other monthly bills.