Imagine spending your golden years alone, with no family nearby and little financial security. This is the harsh reality for many seniors in Bangladesh, where life after sixty is often marked by loneliness, health struggles, and economic uncertainty. But here's where it gets even more concerning: despite the growing elderly population, the country's systems are woefully unprepared to support them.
Take Rehman Aziz (a pseudonym), a retired teacher in his late 60s. After losing both parents and with his only child living abroad, he returns to an empty home each day. "Sometimes it feels very lonely," he admits. Rehman's story isn't unique. According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, over 15.3 million people—9.28% of Bangladesh's population—are aged 60 or above. With a life expectancy of 74.06 years, as reported by the World Health Organization, this final chapter of life should be a time of comfort, not struggle.
And this is the part most people miss: aging in Bangladesh isn't just about physical decline; it's a complex battle against mental health issues, financial instability, and systemic neglect. Psychiatrist Jhunu Shamsun Nahar highlights that depression and neurocognitive disorders like Alzheimer's are rampant among seniors. "Depression manifests as persistent sadness, loss of interest, and low energy," she explains. "In severe cases, it can lead to suicidal thoughts, with women being more vulnerable." Dementia, characterized by progressive memory loss, further isolates the elderly, making them reliant on others for even basic needs.
But here's the controversial part: while religion often provides solace, the fear of death and overwhelming anxiety can dominate the minds of seniors. Dr. Nahar emphasizes, "Addressing mental well-being is just as critical as managing physical health." Yet, mental health remains a taboo topic, with limited resources and societal stigma preventing many from seeking help. Families, she urges, must watch for warning signs like withdrawal, confusion, and loss of appetite, and engage seniors in meaningful activities to restore their sense of purpose.
Financial insecurity compounds these challenges. Mahtab Uddin, Assistant Professor of Economics at Dhaka University, paints a grim picture. "Only around 7% of the population has any kind of financial security," he states. With one of the lowest shares of formal sector jobs globally, most Bangladeshis retire without adequate savings or benefits. "Our elderly are not just old, they are old and sick," Mahtab adds, pointing to decades of environmental and health hazards that leave seniors with a heavier disease burden than their counterparts in developed nations.
Is the economy kind to seniors? Mahtab argues it's anything but. The old-age allowance of Tk600–700 is negligible, failing to cover even basic needs. He advocates for universal old-age coverage, with benefits meeting the international poverty line of around $90 monthly. But money isn’t enough. Seniors need a holistic support system—quality healthcare, accessible transport, and dignified public services. Yet, bureaucratic hurdles, poor infrastructure, and high inflation make daily life a constant struggle.
Even mobility is a challenge. "Can a 75-year-old in a wheelchair board a Dhaka city bus?" Mahtab asks. The answer is often no, highlighting the lack of elderly-friendly public transport. Medical expenses, too, are crippling. While government hospitals offer free consultations, diagnostic tests and medicines are expensive, pushing many into debt. And with Bangladesh set to graduate from LDC status, the cost of medicines is likely to soar further.
For those already in their 60s, survival is the priority. Most seniors lack savings or retirement benefits, forcing them to spend on essentials like food, medicine, and housing. Healthy food and regular check-ups, though crucial, remain luxuries for many. Mahtab stresses that financial planning must start decades earlier, through pension schemes, savings, and preventive healthcare. Low-risk investment options, like government savings instruments, are safer bets for the elderly than volatile share markets.
But here's a thought-provoking question: Why do government employees enjoy pensions while private-sector workers are left to fend for themselves? This disparity underscores the need for systemic reform. Even with pensions, many seniors struggle with rising costs and inadequate healthcare. The government's limited support, Mahtab argues, is a glaring failure.
As we reflect on these challenges, let’s ask ourselves: What kind of society are we building if we leave our elderly to fend for themselves? Are we doing enough to ensure their dignity and well-being? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape a kinder future for our seniors.
