Many of us fear growing old, not because growing old is bad, but because of the discriminatory practices in the society toward older people. But ageing is inevitable.

The UN states that the novel coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities, thus severely impacting the socio-economic, environmental, health, and climate-related impact on the lives of older people, especially older women, who constitute the majority of the elderly. While older women continue to meaningfully contribute to their political, civil, economic, social, and cultural lives, their contributions and experiences remain largely invisible and disregarded, limited by gender disadvantages accumulated throughout the course of life. The intersection between discrimination based on age and gender compounds new and existing inequalities, including negative stereotypes that combine ageism and sexism.

The 2022 theme for the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP), which is celebrated on October 1, is ‘Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World’. The day is set aside to pay attention to the particular needs and challenges faced by many older people. Among the areas of concern is the prevalence of poverty among this subgroup. The theme serves as a reminder of the significant role older women play in traversing global challenges and contributing to their solutions with resilience and fortitude.

Unfortunately, in many societies there is an exclusion of sorts regarding the treatment of older people, especially women. Societies should recognise the critical contributions of older women and promote the inclusion of their voices, perspectives, and needs in the creation of meaningful policies to enhance a holistic response to local, national, and global challenges and catastrophes. The need to embrace the voices of older women and showcase their resilience and contributions in society is urgent.

The UN adds that there is a need to promote policy dialogues to enhance the protection of human rights and recognise their contributions to sustainable development. A longer life brings with it opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for societies as a whole. Additional years provide the chance to pursue new activities, such as further education, a new career, or a long-neglected passion. Older people also contribute in many ways to their families and communities.

An older person is defined by the UN as a person who is over 60 years of age. The composition of the world population has changed dramatically in recent decades. Between 1950 and 2010, life expectancy worldwide rose from 46 to 68 years. Globally, there were 703 million people aged 65 or over in 2019. The region of Eastern and South-Eastern Asia was home to the largest number of older people (261 million), followed by Europe and North America (over 200 million). Over the next three decades the number of older people worldwide is projected to more than double, reaching more than 1.5 billion in 2050.

All regions will see an increase in the size of the older population between 2019 and 2050. The largest increase (312 million) is projected to occur in East and South-East Asia, growing from 261 million in 2019 to 573 million in 2050. The fastest increase in the number of older people is expected in Northern Africa and Western Asia, increasing from 29 million in 2019 to 96 million in 2050. The second-fastest increase is projected for sub-Saharan Africa, where the population aged 65 or over could grow from 32 million in 2019 to 101 million in 2050. By contrast, the increase is expected to be relatively small in Australia and New Zealand (84 per cent) and in Europe and North America (48 per cent), regions where the population is already significantly older than in other parts of the world.

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) states that approximately 31.8 per cent of households in Jamaica have at least one member who is 60 years old or older. The PIOJ adds that elderly people make up nine per cent of the population and that total is expected to grow to 17 per cent by 2030. The National Council for Senior Citizens, a department in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, works in collaboration with other stakeholders to impact the National Policy for Senior Citizens.

Medical News Today defines ageism as prejudice or discrimination against people based on their age. It typically applies to people who are older but can also affect young people. Ageism has a negative impact on physical and mental health and reports link it with earlier death. Those of us who have now reached middle age have first-hand knowledge of how difficult promotions are after 50.

Retirement planning education is often an afterthought for many. Our churches should do more regarding the ministry of the elderly. Additionally, our education system needs an infusion in the national curriculum to examine perspectives of the elderly and ageing in a changing world.

Unfortunately, many societies do not focus on providing services for older people. The Government’s Social Pension Programme for the elderly aged 75 years and older is commendable; however, more can be done to strengthen this social security safety net. One such measure is by adding a burial benefit to this programme. The elderly should have access to affordable medical care and housing. As the society moves towards digitalisation many older people are being left behind; this is concerning and must be addressed. Every society should have a national senior citizen policy which clearly outlines the services the State offers and how to access these services by those who are especially most in need. The time to interrogate our skewed cultural mindset surrounding the elderly is now.

Let us also remember the caregivers who oftentimes are invisible heroes.

In order to achieve and maintain sustainable development there needs to be an inclusive society where the voices of all, especially the elderly, can be heard and acted upon. We need to build a more caring and wholesome society.

Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in developmental policies as they affect culture and/or gender issues. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or waykam@yahoo.com