Psycho-Social Condition of Elder Persons in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Elder People in Bangladesh

Ageing is basically a biological process that needs continuous health and medical care and other related support services. Unfortunately, older persons (OP) in Bangladesh are suffering very badly in this area due to lack of our national, cultural and even individual farsightedness, prudence, appropriate preparations, balanced initiatives and arrangements. In Bangladesh due to improved quality of life the number of people over 60 years is increasing rapidly. This should be seen as an emerging challenge as the elderly will have special needs and require different care-giving services. Since Bangladesh does not have a social welfare system there will be competition for inadequate resources specially health and medical services. Older persons suffer the cumulative effects of a lifetime deprivation, entering old age in a poor state of health and without savings or material assets. Older persons are always neglected in our society. It is envisaged that due to more elderly population the demographic structure will undergo a slow change from the present pyramid structure. The growing trend towards nuclear family or where children live abroad will put the elderly parents in a dilemma-the financial and social support that is essential for them has not yet emerged. The nutrition and health status of elderly people depend on adequate food safe water, proper sanitation facilities and maintaining hygienic standards. Our new generations have to be responsive, informed and attentive about their duties and responsibilities towards the elderly people. Taking proper care of the elderly is our ethical duty and responsibility.