Sri Lanka has been aware of its aging population for some time, yet little has been done to prepare the island for the coming changes. We stand at pivotal crossroads as our population ages at an unprecedented rate. With projections indicating that by 2050, one in four Sri Lankans will be over the age of 60, Sri Lanka faces both daunting challenges and unique opportunities to redefine the role of elders in society. It must also prepare for the impact such a demographic will have on society and the economy of the nation.
The data available is stark: The proportion of those aged 60 and above has nearly tripled since 1981, now approaching 18% of the population. This demographic shift is significant, and with Sri Lanka’s birth rate also slowing, it requires the government and the public to take action. Sri Lanka thus far has been able to be competitive in exports due to quality of products and the low cost of labour. With an aging population, the personnel requirements for industry and agriculture will be impacted. This means that Sri Lanka will need to begin planning solutions for the pending labour issues over the next decade, today.
In society, traditional extended families, once the backbone of elder-care, are giving way to nuclear households. As a result, many elderly Sri Lankans find themselves living apart from their children, often without the support systems they once relied on. The need for physical-care facilities, accessible health services, and opportunities for social engagement has never been greater. This is already evident both in the urban centres and in rural areas. Children in the cities who migrate overseas, seek elder-care for their parents, while youth from the rural areas shift to the cities, leaving their elderly parents in the care of extended family members, in the villages.
Experts urge that the conversation must move beyond mere care to empowerment. Many elders remain capable and eager to contribute economically and socially well past the traditional retirement age. However, traditional mindsets and culture of practice have largely discouraged many from actively contributing to old age. This has created complications both for the ageing and those who care for them, as it has impacted on the economic well-being of those involved. Policies that encourage re-employment and active participation can help reduce dependency and harness the wisdom and experience of older generations. With a quarter of families living below the poverty line, access to quality elder-care is far from universal. The divide between those who can afford private care and those who cannot is growing, demanding targeted interventions to ensure no elder, is left behind.
Health challenges compound these disparities. Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, kindly disease, and heart disease are prevalent, especially in rural areas. Mental health, too, is a pressing concern, particularly among those adjusting to retirement and the loss of lifelong roles. Sri Lanka’s mental health awareness and support structures are in shambles. Treatment, when sought, is limited in availability and often underfunded and viewed as a non-priority.
It is not all gloom, Sri Lanka has taken important steps, revising its National Policy for Elders to address contemporary needs. The updated policy emphasises rights and protection, health and wellbeing, financial security, social engagement, and age-friendly environments. It also calls for robust legal frameworks to protect elders from abuse and neglect, and for the development of standards in long-term care. However, implementation remains uneven, and resource allocation has been wanting. State-run elder care homes are few, and private facilities often charge exorbitant fees with little oversight. This issue needs a whole-of-nation approach to mitigate and manage. It will also require significant awareness building, and a commitment of resources. The Government should act now.