Reimagining Elderly Care in Bangladesh: Integrating Informal, Non-Formal, and Formal Systems for Sustainable Long-Term Care
Abstract
Among many people, there is a very narrow-minded perception that older persons are a societal burden due to their increased need for healthcare and caregiving. In return, they might not contribute enough to the family and economic development of the country. However, in reality, their wisdom, vast experience, mentorship, and life lessons are among the most significant resources for the next generation's growth. Thus, ensuring healthy aging for the elderly is not only valuable to us but also a moral duty for both family members and society. In a country like Bangladesh, providing healthy aging becomes very challenging for both family members and the government. Using the qualitative case study method, the contemporary dynamics and challenges of the informal, non-formal, and formal care systems have been identified, yielding actionable insights so that policymakers can take appropriate steps to develop a sustainable long-term elderly care system in Bangladesh that can eventually ensure healthy aging for older persons. Due to demographic shift and women empowerment, the elderly are getting deprived of traditional home-based informal care. Again, due to technological advancements and the growth of Bangladesh's RMG industry, developing a non-formal care system is also challenging. Along with these, the absence of an adequate and proper formal care system is also suffering the elderly to get healthy aging. In this situation, implementing both home and institution-based formal care systems should be prioritized to develop a structured long-term elderly care system in Bangladesh.
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