Hoshiarpur:- Indian Parliamentary Institute of Population and Development, New Delhi organized a sensitization workshop for members of Vidhan Sabha, Panchayat and Municipal Council on “Aging Population in Hoshiarpur District and Punjab: Emerging Challenges and Policy Needs” at DAV College of Education, Hoshiarpur.
In his address, Shri Avinash Rai Khanna emphasized that 11% of the population is already above 60 years of age, and this number is expected to double by 2036. Shri Avinash Rai Khanna also highlighted the major challenges associated with caring for the elderly population, such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of regulations on elderly care, limited number of trained caregivers, and gaps in policy implementation.
Shri Avinash Rai Khanna also highlighted the initiatives of the Central Government and the objectives of the IAPPD project. He also gave several examples of helping the elderly and bringing happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic. He encouraged the audience to take care of their parents, grandparents and other elderly people living nearby.
Chief Guest Shri Brahm Shankar Jimpa, while addressing the audience, stressed the importance of strengthening government policies related to the care of the elderly, including better medical facilities, pension schemes and community support systems. He gave several examples of helping the elderly in different places personally and supporting those living in old age homes.
Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain in her address gave the example of Germany and said that in old age homes, the elderly and children live in the same place, which increases the level of well-being. They also emphasized the importance of community participation in ensuring the care, dignity, safety, and emotional well-being of the elderly.