Laraib Nisar
Old age is a critical period in any individual’s life, as it carries a dual meaning. Though biologically it is the last stage in the life processes of an individual, the social aspects of old age are influenced by the relationship of the physiological effects of aging and the collective experiences and shared values of that generation to the particular organization of the society in which it exists. In Pakistan, as a thumb rule, old age starts at 60 years of age. As of 2019, almost 15 million people living in Pakistan were reported to be aged over 60 which is 7% of the country’s total population. The proportion of older people is expected to double to 12% by 2050 with 40 million people aged over 60.
Sadly, Pakistan is rated 154th out of 189 countries on the latest United Nations Human Development Index Ranking of 2020. One of the factors contributing in Pakistan’s poor performance in the ranking is its seclusion of the people of older age from the formal economic domain. Only 2.3% of the population older than the statutory pensionable age in Pakistan actually receive an old-age pension.
One of the key reasons behind the developed countries’ social, cultural, political, and economic development is their inclusion policies for the older people. The developed world understands that such people are professionally, socially, and mentally mature and hold expertise in one matter or another due to them having spent most part of their lives in the real world, gathering real-time experiences and learning through trial and error. However, in Pakistan this key resource is not used as it should be, and little to no benefit is gained from them in terms of knowledge. Lack of acceptance in the youth-oriented social circles, lack of employment, social, and recreational opportunities add to the miseries of this population group and increase their grievances towards the state, which they once served.
Unfortunately, in Pakistan, people from the older age group are not given the respect and value they deserve, and they are seen to be lagging behind in all sectors of the society. From domestic to formal level, older, superannuated people are considered a burden, and aren’t given any opportunities or benefits like other citizens due to their rising age. If we observe rationally, 60 years of age is the time when a common person’s expenses are at peak, as children are mostly getting higher education, and are of a marriageable age. A reduction in finances at such a crucial time doesn’t only hit the person financially but also psychologically.
It is high time for Pakistan to learn from developed countries to include the senior citizens in the national life, as it is extremely essential for their physical and psychological well-being and growth. In this regard, taking initiatives like provision of employment opportunities to these people like that of professional trainers, career and spiritual counselors, subject specialists etc. can be helpful. Moreover, people from this age bracket require social and emotional support and backing, to cater for their need, clubs and societies should be established, for example arts and literature circles, recreational activity clubs, yoga and fitness societies etc. Instead of telling them that they don’t have the ‘right age’ for fun activities and learning new skills, they should be encouraged to get enrolled in vocational and art institutes to acquaint themselves with skills they always had an interest in, but never go the opportunity to pursue.
As life expectancy is predicted to rise above 70, the issue of an ageing population is of increasing concern in Pakistan. Over time, there will be fewer and fewer working age people to provide economic support during old age, it is imperative to shift the standard retirement age to beyond 60, as most of the people are completely fit and capable of performing their jobs, along with providing medical, financial, social, and emotional support to this key segment of the population.
The author Laraib Nisar is a Defense and Strategic Studies’ graduate, working as a Program Coordinator at the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) Islamabad.
