Needs Assessment and Survival Pattern of Elderly People in Rural Bangladesh

Abstract

At present, aging is a buzzword that is recognized as a global issue. Bangladesh recently experiences a significant number of people who have faced many types of challenges due to its huge number of elderly people. It is the multidimensional process of physical, mental, and social change, both males & females aged 60+ years. Aging is now a global problem and an upcoming threat for developing countries like Bangladesh. Major social problems of elder people in a rural area are their adjustment in their surroundings, special needs, care giving and care receiving, neglect and harassment. This research aimed to know the needs assessment and survival pattern of elderly people in a rural area. The study has been conducted qualitative and quantitative in nature with a sample size of 120. Necessary data were collected through structured interview schedules, observation, questionnaires, and case study techniques. The survey findings indicate that elderly people are lack access to educational facilities, agricultural resources, decision-making process, sufficient family income, basic health care and they have faced social and physical problems such as lack of social security, personal security, burden feeling, loneliness, special services, heart disease, diabetics, sleeping disturbances, urinary and stomach problem, eye, hearing, dental problem. The government should have a social welfare policy to give special health and medical services through separate wards and units for elderly people.