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Old, unwanted, discarded
View(s):World Elder’s Day is observed around the world on October 01. But here in Sri Lanka the question is whether we are prepared to care for an
Story and pix by Susantha Liyanawatta, and Athula Devapriya.
increasing elderly population
Demographers have shown that the country’s population is aging rapidly. They also point out that over the next two decades, Sri Lanka will be the first developing country to have growing numbers of aging population.
Statistics reveal that in 2012 the number of children (0 to 14 years) in the country was 41.6% and elderly population (over 60 years) was 19.7%.
But by 2061, it is predicted that the number of children will be as low as 26.5% while the number of elders will increase to approximately 57.6%.
Despite this knowledge however, Sri Lanka is yet to develop a proper care system for its aging population.
The Sunday Times cameraman caught up with a number of our senior citizens sitting idly by the road-side or engaging in hard labour and/or performing menial jobs like selling pop corn to support themselves.
 A beast of burden. The birds of the air have their nests, but the son of man by the sweat of his brow must toil… even in old age |
 With no care system in place begging for a living is the only option |
 Old and unwanted, like discarded old slippers |
 Sadness and tiredness writ large on his face, the picture speaks for itself |
 Popcorn sellers like this helpless old lady are regular sights in the city |
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