Gerontology is the study of the social, cultural, psychological, cognitive, and biological aspects of aging. The term gerontology was coined by Ilya Ilyich Mechnkov in 1903 from the Greek words geron, meaning older man, and logia, meaning the study of.
Defining Social Gerontology
- Social Gerontology is the study of the social aspects of aging.
- Social Gerontology is the specialized sub-field of gerontology that studies the social aspects of aging.
- Social gerontology is also known as the social psychology of aging
Role of NGOs for the Welfare of Senior Citizens
In the field of social gerontology, voluntary social services for senior citizens could have been more encouraging in Pakistan. It was only in the recent past that a small welfare section of retired government servants showed some concern for the welfare of the elderly people. As a result of their efforts, a few social welfare organizations were formed to ameliorate their sufferings, establish their right to live with dignity and contribute to the development of their country.
Ladies Fellowship
The first organization for the welfare of the elderly was formed by a group of working women under the leadership of Mrs. Fazli. The organization known as “Ladies Fellowship” undoubtedly created some awareness about the problem of older people, holding seminars and forums to highlight the services they need. However, this organization remained confined to ladies of the upper class of society and could not reach the masses.
Pakistan Senior Citizens Association
The second organization, which was founded in Karachi in 1985, is known as the “Pakistan Senior Citizens Association.” It has both males and females as its members and works among the upper and middle classes to serve the cause of the elderly. It has supported the destitute and disabled poor by providing them with wheelchairs and other appliances to make their lives comfortable.
Pakistan Association of Gerontology
The third organization is the “Pakistan Association of Gerontology,” which plans to initiate a program for geriatrics and a research study to make an adequate assessment of the health status of the elderly. In short, these organizations are making efforts to improve the lot of the elderly population in general and destitute indigent persons in particular. They also cooperate with the public, NGOs, and international agencies to advance the cause of aging in Pakistan.
Association for the Welfare of Retired Persons
The fourth organization is the “Association for the Welfare of Retired Persons,” based in Islamabad. It was formed in 1989 when a group of government pensioners laid the nucleus of a welfare body to project their grievances, mainly in the matter of fixation of equitable pensions.
Pakistan National Centre on Ageing
Another important NGO that is making its utmost efforts for the well-being of elderly persons in Pakistan is the “Pakistan National Centre on Ageing,” founded in 2001 in Islamabad. It is affiliated with the International Center on Global Ageing. In 2002, PNCA conducted a survey of six cities in the Punjab Province, funded by the World Bank, to assess the challenges experienced by the elderly.
The findings are also utilized to persuade the government and other prominent organizations to incorporate the aging issue into their developmental plans, acknowledging the significance of the challenges faced by elderly individuals in Pakistan. It was obvious that only two to three NGOs have been silently operating in this field in Karachi. The Edhi Welfare Trust (EWT) houses elderly who either have been left by their children at the mercy of the EWT or family and relatives who left their elderly and sick to get rid of them due to socioeconomic reasons.
The number of such people is limited due to a shortage of resources, etc. The Agha Khan Foundation, Karimabad chapter, has established a senior citizen home in North Nazimabad Karachi. This center only accommodates Agha Khanies and not outsiders, so basically, it is meant for the welfare of the Agha Khan community (interview with Senior Citizens Home Committee members).
Conclusion
NGOs in Pakistan play a crucial role in the field of social gerontology by providing support to senior citizens. They offer vital services such as healthcare, nutrition programs, and social activities, ensuring that the elderly can live a respectable and fulfilling life. NGOs also work diligently to promote policies that safeguard the rights of senior citizens and increase public awareness about the challenges faced by elderly people. Their work has a significant impact on enhancing the welfare of senior citizens in Pakistan.
