Dr. Vijay Garg
India has always been called a young nation. The world’s largest youth, the biggest population, the most energy-rich human resource and the greatest potential for development - this has been the strength of all India. But today this same power is appearing to be in grave danger. On one side, young people are getting old prematurely, on the other hand, the number of elderly people is increasing rapidly, which is becoming more crowded with society, economy and health system.
Premature old age among young people
Today’s young people are becoming increasingly tired, not only in their old age but also physically and mentally. At the age of 30 or 35 years, they have been plagued by problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, joint pain, motapa and depression.
The main reasons for this are:
Unbalanced lifestyle: Junk food, sweets, less physical exertion.
Consistent screen usage: A lot of nudity coupled with mobile, laptop and social media.
Stress and Uncertainty: Job insecurity, race to compete and anxiety about the future.
Pollution: Dirty air, water and dirt are weakening the body from within.
All these reasons combined are making young people old at the age when they should have been the engine of progress for a country.
increasing number and burden of the elderly
On the other hand, India’s population of elderly is steadily increasing. The age has been prolonged due to better education, but the facilities and social support associated with old age have not increased in that proportion.
The main problems associated with the elderly are:
Increased health expenditures: treatment of long-term diseases and meningitis.
Social unrest: With the growth of nuclear families, older people are left alone.
Economic dependence: Lack of pensions and social security.
Mental problems: Depressions, shortages of memory and feelings of insecurity.
As a result, there is an increasing dependence on the working population, which is already suffering from its own health problems.
Concern for the future of India
If young people are weakened and the burden of older people increases, then a country’s productivity, economic development and social equilibrium will be severely affected.
Increasing Burden of the Elderly India’s population is aging rapidly. Statistics show that by 2050, people aged 60 and over will account for about 20% of the country’s population, which could number around 320 million. This increase causes a variety of problems: Pressure on health care: The number of older people increases the burden on the healthcare system, especially in cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Economic Burden: The proportion of dependence on the working population will increase. With increasing expenditures on pensions, social security and care for the elderly, funds for country’s development may be reduced. Social Tension: Due to the breakdown of the joint family system, migration and urbanization, older people feel a lack of social and emotional support, which often forces them to go into ashrams. This is the premature old age of young people Where a country expects ‘demographic advantage” from its young population, the younger generation itself is facing problems of premature old age for several reasons: Stress and mental health: Mental health problems such as stress, anxiety and depression are on the rise among young people due to unemployment, competition, overload of work and family pressure. Unhealthy lifestyles: The modern lifestyle is characterized by poor eating and drinking habits, lack of physical activity and the use of drugs. Diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease are also seen in young people at an early age. Migration and dependency: The migration of young people to cities or foreign countries in search of better opportunities increases the burden of caring for the elderly who are left behind. Many young people are sacrificing their personal lives due to economic obligations, which affects their mental and physical health. Threat to the future’ and a way forward These two trends, the stressful lives of young people and the growing old age are intertwined and threaten India’s “census surplus”. If a country’s younger generation is not healthy and productive on its own, it will be unable to sustain an increasing population. Comprehensive social and policy reforms are needed to meet this challenge: Investing in health care: Making health services more cost-effective and accessible, especially for the elderly. Social Security Framework: Strengthening pension systems and expanding social security schemes for the elderly so that they are no longer economically dependent. Youth Health: Promoting healthy lifestyles among young people and raising awareness of mental health. Creating education and employment opportunities so that stress can be reduced. Intergenerational bonds: Initiating programs that increase coordination and respect between young people and the elderly, such as training youth in caring for the elderly. solution and the way forwar
Immediate and long-term steps are necessary to avert this danger:
Promoting healthy lifestyles among young people.
Mental health awareness at the school and college level.
affordable and streamlined health services for the elderly.
A culture of intergenerational cooperation in the family and society.
In the government policies, there are Bajrug-Mitr and Yuva-Shit centered plans.
The future of India depends not only on the young and elderly, but also on their own. Balance between the two is the real strength of the country. If we do not pay attention today to the health of youths and care for the elderly, tomorrow India may be paying a heavy price for it.
Dr. Vijay Garg Retired Principal Educational Columnist Malout Punjab |
