Healthy aging in Sri Lanka: Constraints and opportunities

Sri Lanka has the fastest aging population in the South Asian region. Social policies in the country that allowed universal access to education and health care have largely contributed to reductions in infant mortality and fertility levels. As a result, a severe aging pressure is observed. A community survey (n= 443) using a representative sample of elders in southern Sri Lanka and four focus group discussions (n=32) were conducted to identify constraints of and opportunities for healthy aging. The proportion of widows among the elderly is higher than that of widowers. One fourth of elders were suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases. Loss of memory was the main psychological problem reported. The majority expressed particular frustration with health care professionals and programs they felt were insensitive to emerging health needs of elders. About 10% of the participants reported economic hardships, but the majority envisaged that social security would soon become a major public health issue. Elder's contribution to economic and social welfare of the family and the community was deemed significant and self-esteem and spiritual life would be more important than physical health for the elders to enjoy a healthy life. The country's elder care system is not presently equipped to care for an aging society. Health and social support systems should pay special attention to senior widows. Culture sensitive aging policies that could utilize the wisdom and workforce of the elderly in the development process are urgently needed to make elders a resource rather than a burden to the country.