Sri Lanka faces a significant demographic challenge and opportunity as its elderly population is projected to surge by 103 percent from 2,520,573 in 2012 to an estimated 5,118,094 by 2037.
This dramatic shift stems from declining fertility and mortality rates, highlighting a pressing need to reevaluate societal structures. The impact spans healthcare, laboUr markets, economic stability, and societal foundations, requiring careful navigation.
Guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which emphasises the dignity and rights of all individuals, Sri Lanka must honour these principles during this demographic transition.
Upholding the UDHR’s tenets, especially for the elderly, necessitates accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare, economic security, and social inclusion programs.
It is imperative for Sri Lanka to prioritise and implement these measures, staying true to its commitment to human rights and ensuring the well-being of its senior citizens.
Implications for healthcare and the labour market
The surge in the elderly population in Sri Lanka presents a dual challenge and opportunity for the healthcare system and the labour market.
With a notable increase in seniors, there’s a clear and pressing need to enhance specialised medical services and prioritise geriatric care.
This necessity emphasises a significant shift in healthcare focus to cater to the unique health requirements of an aging population. Concurrently, the changing demographics, marked by a remarkable increase in seniors, raise valid concerns about a potential decrease in the overall workforce size.
This demographic shift could lead to reduced productivity and economic growth, challenging the established labour force dynamics.
Addressing this challenge demands a strategic approach: Sri Lanka must pivot towards providing flexible employment opportunities, comprehensive retraining, and skill development programs tailored for older individuals.
This strategy will ensure their continued active participation in the workforce, thus mitigating the economic impact of this demographic transition and optimising the potential of a seasoned labour force in the face of a changing size of the labour force in Sri Lanka.
Seizing the silver economy
In the face of rapid demographic shifts driven by an aging population, Sri Lanka sees a promising opportunity in the burgeoning “silver economy.” This sector, encompassing healthcare, tourism, finance, education, and technology, tailored to meet the distinct needs of the elderly, has the potential to drive inclusive economic growth across society, acting as a catalyst for progress.
Recognising and leveraging this silver economy’s potential could unlock a vast reservoir of economic opportunities for Sri Lanka.
Tailored services and products address the specific needs of an aging population, enhancing their quality of life while stimulating demand and encouraging investment and innovation in these specialised sectors. Notably, this growth generates employment, fosters entrepreneurship, and fuels economic activity, showcasing the potential to simultaneously improve the well-being of older citizens and drive sustained economic development for Sri Lanka.
Upholding human rights for older persons
Sri Lanka faces a demographic shift with a significant rise in the elderly population and a notable feminisation trend. Prioritising Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) principles is crucial, underscoring universal rights and dignity regardless of age.
Sri Lanka’s dedication to honoring these rights is vital, necessitating tailored healthcare and economic security like structured pension schemes and employment opportunities to ensure financial stability in later years.
Besides healthcare and economic security, emphasising social inclusion is vital. Initiatives promoting community engagement, intergenerational interactions, and lifelong learning combat social isolation and acknowledge the wealth of experience older individuals possess.
Aligning policies with UDHR principles allows Sri Lanka to create an equitable, compassionate society that respects the fundamental rights and dignity of its older population, ensuring no senior citizen is left behind.
Addressing the feminisation of poverty
The feminisation of poverty in Sri Lanka is a glaring issue, highlighting the economic vulnerability faced by women. Addressing this calls for gender-sensitive policy responses that recognise and value the unpaid care work predominantly carried out by women. Supporting this effort through policies can relieve economic strain and enhance women’s engagement in economic activities.
Financial inclusion initiatives are crucial in combatting this issue, aiming to break barriers hindering women, especially in marginalised areas, from accessing financial services. Tailoring these initiatives to improve financial literacy, credit accessibility, and entrepreneurship for women can boost their economic independence, reducing the feminisation of poverty.
Empowering women through training, capacity-building, and encouraging their leadership roles in various sectors will help dismantle deep-seated inequalities, fostering genuine gender equality and a more equitable, prosperous society in Sri Lanka.
Combatting social isolation and fostering inclusivity
Addressing social isolation in older individuals is vital for their well-being and societal unity, impacting mental, emotional, and physical health. A comprehensive approach involves fostering community engagement, intergenerational connections, and tailored technological solutions. Community involvement, especially through dedicated centers, reduces isolation and enhances older individuals’ quality of life. Intergenerational bonding promotes understanding and knowledge exchange, fostering a more cohesive society. Tailored technology, like user-friendly digital platforms and virtual communities, shows promise in combating social isolation.
Prioritising social cohesion and inclusivity as the population ages is essential for constructing a compassionate, resilient community that values and supports its older citizens, ultimately leading to a more prosperous and harmonious future. By recognising the significance of integrating older individuals into society, we can create an environment where they feel genuinely valued and included. This enriches their lives and contributes to a more cohesive society, where generations come together to learn from each other and collectively shape a brighter future.
Re-imagining elder care facilities
In Sri Lanka, the spectrum of elder care facilities is diverse, encompassing everything from well-managed private and religious institutions to shelters that provide a safety net for those lacking family support. However, the current landscape is marked by a lack of consistent quality standards across these facilities. This pressing issue necessitates a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure a baseline of care quality and to address the disparities in care provision.
Responding to the challenges in elder care is not just a necessity but a tremendous opportunity to foster a more inclusive society. It involves a paradigm shift, reimagining existing care systems for the elderly by enhancing both institutional and home-based care. This strategic investment yields far-reaching benefits, including a significant improvement in the quality of life for older individuals, substantial economic gains through job creation and industry growth, the preservation and sharing of valuable knowledge, and meaningful intergenerational exchanges. Moreover, these investments alleviate strain on healthcare infrastructure, facilitate social integration for seniors, provide critical support to caregivers, and ensure the long-term sustainability of elder care, effectively addressing the needs of an aging population.
Sri Lanka’s Elders’ Day, the imperative lies in reaffirming the commitment to uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) for older individuals. Providing a dignified life requires robust healthcare, economic security, and social inclusion programs, aligning with a society that cherishes human rights and compassion, leaving a timeless legacy.
The collective aim is to shape a future where every elderly Sri Lankan can age gracefully, embraced by love, care, and ample opportunities that honor their contributions.
This vision bridges generations, fostering a society that reveres and protects the rights and well-being of older individuals, embodying unity, compassion, and collective progress, allowing every citizen to thrive and contribute to the nation’s advancement.
Former Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo
