Economic survey wants to make old age productive

Thiruvananthapuram: The Economic Survey 2017 has called for the deployment of the state’s burgeoning elderly population in productive sectors. It is for the first time that the annual document has flagged the state’s ageing issue. It states that the retirement age of 56 has lowered the working life of persons. "Committed deployment of this experienced manpower has the potential to enhance production," the Survey notes. "The elderly when employed meaningfully and kept busy, tend to live healthier and longer. Employment not just keeps the elderly busy but will also provide them with a feeling of social relevance," it adds.

As for elders who were employed in the informal and unorganised sectors, and for whom there is just a nominal pension, the Survey recommends a slew of measures. Day care centres and Senior Citizens' Department are two recommendations. “All senior citizens belonging to BPL category should be covered by a free and comprehensive health insurance scheme," is another recommendation. The Survey has also mooted a welfare fund for senior citizens.
The Survey noted that the elderly population is growing at a perpetual rate of 2.3 percent, a rate that is unheard of in any other state. Currently 42 lakh people of Kerala are 60 and above; 13 per cent of them are 80 years and over, the fastest growing group among the old.

Age seems to be more punishing on women. The Survey notes that women outnumber men in the 60-plus category, and among them majority are widows. Kerala has got the highest life expectancy at birth. The higher life expectancy for females, in a sense, is a bane. (The life expectancy at birth in Kerala is 71.8 years and 77.8 years for males and females respectively.) “Generally, life expectancy among women is higher than men but it is much higher in Kerala and men marry women a few years younger which explains the high proportion of widows among the old,” the Survey notes.