Active ageing (aging) is a recent concept (1990) evolved by
the World Health Organization, by which it is meant that a longer activity
period with a higher retirement age.
Active ageing is the process of optimizing
opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance
quality of life as people age. It applies to both individuals and population
groups. - WHO.
Active ageing allows people to realize their
potential for physical, social, and mental well-being throughout the life
course and to participate in society, while providing them with adequate
protection, security and care when they need. Older people who retire from work and
those who are ill or live with disabilities can remain active contributors
to their families, peers, communities and nations. Active ageing aims to
extend healthy life expectancy and quality of life for all people as they
age, including those who are frail, disabled and in need of
care.
Worldwide, the proportion of
people age 60 and over is growing faster than any other age
group. Population ageing refers to a decline in the proportion of children and young
people and an increase in the proportion of people age 60 and
over. Decreasing fertility rates and increasing longevity will ensure
the continued “greying” of the world’s population.
Rapid ageing in developing
countries is accompanied by dramatic changes in family structures and
roles, as well as in labour patterns and migration. Urbanization,
the migration of young people to cities in search of jobs, smaller
families and more women entering the formal workforce mean that
fewer people are available to care for older people when they need
assistance.
Maintaining autonomy and
independence as one grows older is a key goal for individuals. Moreover,
ageing takes place within the context of others – friends, work
associates, neighbours and family members. This is why interdependence as
well as intergenerational solidarity (two-way giving and receiving between
individuals as well as older and younger generations) are important tenets
of active ageing. Yesterday’s child is today’s adult and tomorrow’s
grandmother or grandfather. The quality of life they will enjoy as
grandparents depends on the risks and opportunities they experienced
throughout the life course, as well as the manner in which
succeeding generations provide mutual aid and support when needed.
The active ageing approach is based on
the recognition of the human rights of older people and the United
Nations Principles of independence, participation, dignity, care
and self-fulfilment. It shifts strategic planning away from a “needs-based” approach to a “rights- based” approach that recognizes the rights of
people to equality of opportunity and treatment in all aspects of life as
they grow older. It supports their responsibility to exercise their
participation in the political process and other aspects of community
life.
Active ageing policies and programmes recognize the need to
encourage and balance personal responsibility (self-care),
age-friendly environments and intergenerational
solidarity. Individuals and families need to plan and prepare for older
age, and make personal efforts to adopt positive personal health practices
at all stages of life. At the same time supportive environments are
required to “make the healthy choices the easy choices.”
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AN ORGANIZATION FOR WELFARE FOR SENIOR
CITIZENS
SIMLA, SERAMPORE -3, HOOGHLY
www.elderpeoplehome.org
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