Don’t blame govt agencies: Jane Barratt

Stating the need for coordination among stakeholders for the welfare of senior citizens, secretary general of the International Federation for Ageing, Jane Barratt, said states need to see what they have and what they want, then work together towards achieving it.

She also stressed on working with government agencies rather than blaming them. Speaking on the second day of the national consultation of Active and Healthy Ageing organised by Janseva Foundation, Barratt spoke on various aspects of ageing with international perspective.

She said the problems of ageing differ with differences in culture and background. “We need to address the issues with reference to these needs,” she said. “In India, with the variety of cultures, the needs too will be different.”

Former director of World Health Organisation (WHO), Gururaj Mutalik, said the policies about the elderly decided at the international level have to be translated at the national level, which is difficult. “Countries need guidance on this. We need to see how this can be done while deciding it on the international level,’’ he added.

Suggestions that came in included the need to see how elderly can be ‘used financially’. It is important that their knowledge be better utilised to empower them financially. Private companies too need to be roped in for the cause, the participants said.

President of International Longevity Centre (ILC), Sharadchandra Gokhale, pointed out that there was no network to exchange information and ideas between various states. “An inter-state approach is essential to pressurise the government. Advocacy and action is needed at local level,’’ he added.