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by J. V. Thambar

It has been increasingly made aware that the current ageing population is around 10% - that is one million. This achievement is mainly due to the country's social policies since independence in health, wealth and education and social development among the poorer sections. More are now living to older age and living longer.

The trend will escalate to around 20% in 15 to 20 years time with major national repercussions in political, social and economic systems.

Policies and programmes have to be put into place to enable the ageing and the young ageing to prepare themselves for active healthy ageing in independent living and livelihood as long as possible.

A major step in this direction was the enactment of the Rights of Elders Act (No. 9 of 2000) which established the National Elders Council with a vision and functions to introduce a National Policy for Ageing and Work Plan.

The Elders Council has recognized and registered NGOs caring for elders and a network of 5,000 Village Level Elders Committees throughout the country with resources and guidelines for local activities.

An important identification for elders has been the issue of Senior Citizens Identification Cards. Currently this entitles them to 5% discount on medicines at Government outlets (Osu Sala) and additional 1% on interest at a National Savings Bank.

Further concessions in public services transport and other facilities as in other developing countries are been programmed.

Where parents are neglected and children fail to maintain them, provision is available through the Maintenance Board of the Act for conciliation and if necessary legal requirement for payment of monthly maintenance.

However, for senior citizens who live with dignity, recognition and a quality of life, a wide range of facilities and policies and programmes need to be instituted.

The UN Conventions on Principles for Older Persons and World Assemblies in recent years at Vienna, Madrid, Macao and Shanghai have urged National Policies for Older Persons and given guidance in drawing up Work Plans.

A National Policy and Work Plan for Elders in Sri Lanka has been drafted on these lines and would shortly be disseminated for wider discussion and acceptance.

The National Policy has been drawn up comprehensively in three main strategic directions to continue an independent living in sustainable development, maintaining health in old age and enabling environment for elders.

The above measures would require inter-Ministerial coordination within the Ministries of Social Welfare, Health, Education, Labour and Employment. They would be supported by the NGO Community, private sector, religious and cultural organizations and the media in strengthening the care of elders.

Concessions for senior citizens in the developed countries are perhaps the most striking features of Government arrangements for senior citizens to participate and contribute to development and attain active ageing and self-fulfilment. Some of these are as follows:

(a) Public Utilities

Concessions are granted to senior citizens for use of electricity, telephones, water, gas and provided by the respective local authorities on their own account as corporate social responsibility or seek rebate from Government or tax concessions.

(b) Public Transport

Public transport is another important area to provide mobility and access for seniors. In some countries and cities there is a flat rate for a day's travel within an area; or are afforded concessionary rates or even free travel within certain areas during off peak hours or season tickets at special rates.

Though in most countries, seniors receive seats in public transport by courtesy of younger travellers, often seats are marked for elders especially on congested routes.

Improved facilities are provided for easy access by steps for elders to enter and exit from vehicles. These observations apply to both road and rail transport.

(c) Local Rates

In many countries concessions are given to seniors on local rates on property owned and occupied by them for residential purposes. These concessions even extend to driving licences and annual licence fees.

(d) Public Events and Public Exhibitions

Many countries afford concessionary rates for public events such as sports, cultural events, concerts and exhibitions or public education centers such as Museum, Art Gallery, Public Library, Zoo, etc.

These facilities encourage greater mobility, enjoyment of the leisure time by the elders in public events, promote public approval of those granting the concessions and generally good inter-generational relationship in the community.

(e) Access to Public Buildings and Venues

Access to public buildings and venues are often a hazard to the elderly and disabled. Architectural designs and buildings are required by law to provide easy access to them and special facilities such as rest rooms and toilets.

Senior Citizens Concessions - Government of Queensland, Australia - Year 2000

As a matter of interest and for comparison, some basic concessions enjoyed by seniors in Queensland are described below:

Queensland as in other States of Australia has a complex set of integrated social security, health and welfare system functioning over the years. Some of the main features are as follows:

(a) Seniors Card issued to residents - age 65 and over and not working full time - that is 35 hours or less;

(b) Senior Pensioners Card for those between 60 to 64 and do not qualify for (a) Senior Card Holders receive concession on Government services and business discounts. Senior Business Card Holders still working are entitled to business discounts to only those which are offered by the private sector.

According to the Queensland Government's Seniors Card Directory 2000-2001, four out of five Queenslanders (400,000) are over 60 years of age and enjoy government concessions as well as business discounts set out in the Directory.

Medical Care - Though there is no free health service, substantial concessions to seniors. Seniors have to pay a fixed amount for medical supplies for a fortnight and any excess is met by the State.

Travel - Local bus and rail travel within the State is given at 50% discount.

Electricity - Australian $ 8 per month rebate and a subsidy for a patient on dialysis or other electrical operating machine.

Motor vehicles discount of 50% of registration fee.

Water rate - pensioners in Sydney Metropolitan Area can get 100% rebate on water service to a maximum of Australian $ 18.75 per quarter, 74% of sewerage service charge and 50% of their drainage service.

Local rates vary according to individual Councils.

Private Sector Business Discounts

As seniors receive an adequate level of social security direct payments, allowances, concessions in government utilities and welfare services, they form a formidable body of New Consumers. They are targeted by the business sector and are attracted through various concessions.

The full list is included in a Pocket Directory of Concessions for Seniors which may be availed of in shops exhibiting a seniors sticker. The Directory covers the following items:

* Personal - dental, eyesight, health and fitness services

* Household Equipment - refrigerators, musical instruments, electrical, plumbing and renovations;

* Clothing, jewellery, travel goods;

* Entertainment, food and beverage and health products;

* Vehicles - accessories and repairs;

* Professional Services - legal, tax, insurance and funerals;

* Hotel packages - discount of 10 to 15% of cost;

* Travel and Tours - discount of 10% on coach services;

* Shopping centers and Malls - discounts generally 10%;

* Admission to Retirement Villages.

The private business sector vastly benefits from the goodwill and patronage from seniors and compete to offer better and higher concessions which eventually increases the turn over.

In return, seniors give a valuable feed back on the services received which is collated into Annual Business Awards for Excellent In-services and Courtesy for Seniors.

The above description provides much food for thought among senior citizens and the organizations, government and local authorities, NGOs and private sector to contribute collectively towards ageing actively and gracefully in the years ahead.

(The writer is a Social Development Consultant and Member National Council for Ageing)

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