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Building a future of dignity and care for Sri Lanka’s elderly
View(s):- Comprehensive support needed as 1 in 4 Sri Lankans to be over 60 by 2041
By UNFPA Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is facing a demographic reality that cannot be ignored: our population is ageing rapidly. By 2041, one in every four Sri Lankans is projected to be over the age of 60. This is not merely a statistic, it reflects longer life expectancy, better healthcare, and human development. But it also presents a pressing challenge: how do we ensure that older persons in Sri Lanka can age with dignity, security, and respect?
Older persons are a vital asset to our society. They carry with them decades of knowledge, experience, and wisdom, having served as leaders, caregivers, mentors, and in many ways, continue to be the backbone of our society. Yet, too often, ageism clouds our perception, and older individuals are marginalized or viewed as burdens rather than valued contributors. Recognizing their worth is not just a moral obligation, it is essential for a sustainable, inclusive society.
Need for Comprehensive Care and Support Sri Lanka’s ageing population highlights urgent gaps in our healthcare and social support systems. The old-age dependency ratio in Sri Lanka is rising, with 52 dependent older persons for every 100 working-age individuals, putting immense pressure on pensions, healthcare, and social services.
One of the biggest challenges we face is the dismantling of traditional family structures, partially due to migration. Many older Sri Lankans find themselves living alone, isolated from the support systems they once relied on. This social isolation, combined with limited healthcare services and a shortage of trained caregivers, often leaves older persons without the care and companionship they need to thrive.
Many older persons live with non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.
Social isolation is rising as traditional family structures shift, and women, who make up the majority of older persons, often face the dual burden of caregiving and economic insecurity. These challenges demand policies that go beyond charity, focusing instead on empowerment, protection, and inclusion.
Additionally, the burden of care disproportionately falls on women, who are often the primary unpaid caregivers in families. One key dimension of Sri Lanka’s ageing population is the ‘feminization of ageing’. Women tend to live longer than men and many older women find themselves economically disadvantaged due to lifelong roles in caregiving and unpaid work. It is essential to address this gendered dimension of ageing and ensure that women both as caregivers and as older persons receive the support they need.
UNFPA Sri Lanka’s Commitment to older persons globally:
Older persons contribute significantly to economies and communities. When supported to remain healthy and active, they can continue to add value through work, mentorship, and caregiving, unlocking a “longevity dividend” for society. In Sri Lanka, policies that uphold older persons’ rights, access to healthcare, reliable pensions, formal recognition of care work, and inclusive community programmess are not just optional. They are essential.
An updated and comprehensive national policy on ageing is critical to addressing current gaps and fostering a society where older persons are valued and supported. Key areas for action will include:
Expanding healthcare access: Investing in mobile health clinics, telemedicine, and geriatric training for healthcare workers can ensure that older persons, no matter where they live, receive the care they need.
Formalising care work: Many caregivers work informally, without recognition or pay.
Creating pathways for them to transition into formal, decent work, offering them the training and job security they deserve will enhance their quality of life.
Supporting informal caregivers: Family members providing unpaid care should be supported by means of financial assistance, respite services, and access to resources that allow them to
balance caregiving with their own lives and livelihoods.
Strengthening social protection: The elderly, particularly women, should have access to reliable pensions and safety nets to prevent them from falling into poverty, ensuring their economic security after a lifetime of contribution to the country’s economy and development.
Fostering intergenerational connections: Programs that connect younger and older generations through mentorship, shared community spaces or volunteer initiatives can bridge generational divides and foster mutual respect and support.
UNFPA Sri Lanka remains committed to supporting older persons through evidence-based policy advocacy, community interventions, and partnerships with organizations like HelpAge Sri Lanka.
From promoting disaster preparedness for older persons to strengthening social protection and health systems, our work reflects a simple truth: older persons are not a problem to manage, they are a vital part of the solution.
In line with the International Day of Older Persons (Oct. 1), let us commit to building a society where age is celebrated, not stigmatized. By investing in the well-being, rights, and dignity of our older persons, Sri Lanka can create a future where every generation thrives, together, in respect, inclusion,
and solidarity.
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