....the elderly are seen as a burden
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia is now the fifth largest country to have a huge amount of elderly people in the world, reaching up to 18.04 million lives or 9.6 percent in 2010.

"Becoming the fifth country with the largest amount of elderly people comes with its consequences, such as service needs as well as social protection for the elderly," said director general of social rehabilitation for the ministry of social affairs, Samsudi, in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The amount of elderly people has increased 4 times more in comparison to 1970, where there was only 5,3 million lives or 4,48 percent.

The increase of elderly people in Indonesia is due to the rise of life expectancy for Indonesian residents which has caused the elderly population to increase in number.

With the rise of the elderly population and the mobility of residents in an era of globalization, it has its effects on the livelihood of the public.

In several cases, the elderly are seen as a burden on families who often neglect or abandon them.

"Several problems with the elderly needs to be attended and serious work must be implemented to anticipate the problems that come with old age," Samsudi said.

There are programs, designed by the ministry of social affairs for the elderly such as "home care", which is a program to teach families how to care for their elderly within their own homes. As many as 20.000 elderlies are receiving this service.

Meanwhile, the ministry of social affairs have also implemented several side programs for the elderly in the fields of social psychology, care and economy.

The other programs they have include "day care", a service for the elderly held by nursing institutions or other organizations.

For the elderly who can no longer participate in programs and activities, they receive a social assistance package which comprises of Rp 200.000 per month.
(AH/O001)

Editor: Ella Syafputri
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