Status of the Elderly and Emergence of Old Homes in Bangladesh: Policies and Practices

Abstract

The increase in aging populations is one of the most important issues facing the world today. Although families constitute the core of elder care throughout the world, due to changing culture, the adoption of modern living patterns, and variations in people's nature, their obligation towards the elderly has been drastically reduced. This situation has led to the issue of community care for the elderly and the emergence of old homes as institutional rehabilitation centers. At present, familial support for older people has declined and the issue of elderly care has become more complicated in Bangladesh. Often, older parents are subjected to various repressions and negligence by their children and family members. Therefore, a large number of older people are joining old homes as community-based elderly care has become a new reality in society. However, there are not enough governmental old homes rather private old homes are providing different facilities to the elderly. In practice, the protective provisions for older people remain insignificant in national plans and policies in Bangladesh. The Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance, 1961 (amended in 2007), is the main law for establishing old homes under the supervision of the social welfare ministry, but this law is not updated. Though the National Policy on Older Persons 2013 and the Maintenance of Parents Act 2013 have been enacted, they have not been implemented properly. Due to the absence of rules and monitoring mechanisms, many older people are living miserable lives outside of the family. This study focuses on the status of older people in present society and analyzes the relevant policies of institutional rehabilitation centers and old homes in Bangladesh.