Population Aging and Its Implications in Bangladesh

Abstract

The population of most of the countries of the world has been ageing. This unprecedented demographic change has already transformed many societies. The ageing process is expected to accelerate in the near future, particularly in developing countries. The problem of population aging would be more severe in such countries as they have a shorter time to adapt to the changes associated with population ageing (UN, 2007). Millions of elderly are trapped in misery through a combination of low income and poor health. The traditional support structure of the family is increasingly unable to cope with the problem. In a world where the joint family is breaking down, and children are unable to take care of their parents, millions of elderly face destitution. These problems have made the importance of the Old Homes more relevant in the prevailing socio- demographic scenario. The present study shows in some details the new demographic phenomenon of aging and impact of aging at global level and in Bangladesh. Secular change of family structure and its impact on old people in Bangladesh have also been examined. In order to find the condition of old people living in old homes a survey was carried out. The survey finds that most of the residents of old homes find old homes are more or less comfortable for them. The impact of aging on family structure indicates that matters will worsen for the economy and the old dramatically in the years to come. So, old homes, though a western concept, may turn out to be one of the means to provide security in old age in the developing world.