Unpacking the Aging Scenario: A Case Study of Jammu Kashmir from the 2023 India Ageing Report
1. A Glimpse into the Report:
- The 'INDIA AGEING REPORT 2023' was commissioned and executed by the International Institute for Population Sciences and the United Nations Population Fund.
- The report provides in-depth information about the ageing population in Jammu Kashmir, thereby identifying potential challenges and opportunities within this demographic.
2. Elderly Poverty and Life Expectancy:
- There is a low poverty rate (4.2%) amongst the elderly population in Jammu Kashmir, implying a relative economic resilience within this group.
- Elderly individuals account for 9.4 percent of Jammu Kashmir's population, making the state one with notably high elderly life expectancy rates.
- Specifically, the life expectancy for males and females after the age of 60 lies at 20.3 percent and 23.0 percent respectively.
3. Usage of Assistive Devices:
- The LASI survey incorporated within the report highlighted that only 44 percent of the elderly population are utilising assistive devices.
- Common examples of these devices include spectacles and walking sticks.
- Usage patterns correlated with factors such as age, urban residence, wealth quintile, and level of education.
4. The State of Elderly Mental Health:
- In Jammu Kashmir, 15 percent of the elderly population fall into the lowest 10th percentile of the composite cognition score.
- Nearly 30 percent reportedly suffer from depressive symptoms.
- Risk factors include education, age, gender, place of residence, widowhood, living arrangements, and work status.
5. Transforming Living Arrangements:
- Traditional joint family systems in Jammu Kashmir have substantially transformed, thereby influencing the living arrangements among the elderly.
- Circumstances such as elder migration for work and limited assistance have adverse effects on their mental health.
6. The Role of the Private Sector:
- The report calls for intensified involvement of the private sector in ageing-related initiatives.
- Under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013, companies are mandated to dedicate 2 percent of their net profits towards social development.
7. Bridging the Awareness Gap:
- The report highlights a glaring awareness gap amongst the elderly regarding social security schemes and health insurance coverage in Jammu Kashmir.
- Such gaps need to be addressed at the earliest given the constantly expanding elderly population.
In conclusion, this comprehensive information from the 'INDIA AGEING REPORT 2023' allows for a more nuanced understanding of the complex dimensions and needs of the aging population in Jammu Kashmir. This becomes critical for policy-making and execution of initiatives aimed at promoting their overall well-being.
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