According to the National Family Health Survey, 1998-99, Nagaland’s percentage of people aged 65 and above account for about 4.4 of the total population. This is slightly below the All India figure of 5% and substantially lower than those for developed countries which range from 11.7-17.4%. However the absolute number of old people may be higher than those revealed by such statistics.
According to the Planning Commission’s Population Projection for India (1996-2016), the age composition indicates that the population of those between age groups 0-14 is likely to decline as a result of the declining birth rates. Population in the working age group of 15-59 is expected to increase, while population of old persons (60-above) is likely to increase further. All these, therefore suggests that there is likely to be a structural change in favour of older age groups. The above projections are also indicative of trends in developed countries.
While in Nagaland almost 40% of the population is below 15 years of age, the State’s unique social and cultural setting provides a base for a healthy society. Nagas life expectancy is currently pegged at 73.4 years as against the national average of 60.7 years, which is comparable with the range for developed countries. As such, the emerging age structure would have considerable number of elderly citizens. The government on its part, need to orient specific policy aimed at taking care of this segment in terms of heath care, social security and other support structures for a more meaningful living.
To the credit of our social system, problems faced by the elderly may not be as acute. Looked at from another perspective, it could be because of our small number so much so that we are not grappled by the problems and concerns faced by elderly people across the world, due to fragmentation of the joint family and the rise of nuclear family, particularly in the west. At least in Naga society, old people are well disposed within the confines of their families where their positions are ensured as senior members, their advice and blessings sought and honored even with regard to decision making.
There could however be, still many less fortunate elders in gloomy moods inactively living in their own dreamy worlds, muttering to themselves, cursing their children and relatives for not caring for them. Is the neglect or desertion of one’s own aged parents not considered a sin in this society? Besides the government, the care of the aged should be rightly the responsibility of families, relatives and NGOs.
The loss of identity or the lack of self-importance or respect brought about by retirement can be very shattering. As we observe World Elders Day, old people must themselves realize that life does not stop at retirement, but begins then. The old should be encouraged to take up a vocation related to their interests whereby their experience can be utilized to serve the needs of society. The government can even rope them in an advisory capacity sharing work experience, technical know-how and their wisdom. Such useful activities should be able to engage their mind and time, and give them a sense of being needed, and thereby carve out a niche for themselves.
