OLDER PERSONS

MEDICAL CARE, SOCIAL PROTECTION AND UNITED NATIONS PRINCIPLES: AN ANTHROPO-GERONTOLOGICAL APPROACH ON GERIATRIC HEALTH

Abstract

Background: The Older Persons (OPs) are the knowledge and experience
banks who hand over their life experiences to run society to the youth to further take up the
society for the continuity of life and its progressive upward mobility. Objective: The aim of study
was to explore the interrelationship of older persons’ health care and social protection in the
light of United Nations Principles for Older Persons in Rawalpindi city. Study Design: Cross
Sectional Study. Materials and Methods: Structured questionnaire was developed to collect
information on Older Persons’ health, economic and psychological status. In this regard, an
extensive questionnaire was designed and pre-tested vigorously. Place & Duration of Study:
The data collection was done in various union councils of Rawalpindi city. The study duration
was three months and lasted from September 2013 to December 2013. Results: Family is
concerned about the welfare of OPs but the financial liabilities. In 82.8% cases children were
found to be caring whereas in 17.2% cases kids were totally forgetful. 46% OPs were primarily
nursed by their spouses and 34% by sons or daughters. 44.3% OPs still managed their financial
affairs. In 66% case no secondary financial facility was provided by the government. 28.9%
cases were those where OPs requested help from other sources. Conclusions: The Islamic
Jurisprudence, Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and UN Principles demand the
governments and states to intervene in the situation and make sure that the OPs are enjoying
equal access to independence, (social) participation, care, self-fulfillment and dignity.