Gender Issues and Empowerment Strategies for Older Persons

While women's life expectancy at birth has long exceeded that of men, as is generally the case globally, the life expectancy gender gap has been widening in India, too. Gender relations and related discriminatory disparities in the various fields start to crop up right from the time a child is born. They have a significant influence on the life course of a woman and keep getting more pronounced as they age. The economic disparity among genders leaves women with less income in old age for sustenance, especially when they become widows. This leads them to circumstances of getting more vulnerable to abuse, as their position is regarded as lower in many Asian countries, including India, where there is the prevalence of patriarchy. Education has a great impact on economic independence. In India and many South Asian countries, preference is given to a male child. This is evident and plays a role in creating a significant gap in educational attainment and literacy for men and women. Gender differences in health and the use of health services are a long-standing concern in India and the South Asian countries. Challenges to ensure that the senior citizens not merely live longer but are empowered to lead a secure, dignified, and productive life are important national concerns. This can be overcome by emphasizing active ageing, creating equality among genders, providing gender-sensitive community and holistic care and residential care, making provision for appropriate assisted living arrangements if needed and adequate housing, and by conducting training programmes to keep their minds alert and active.