Developing Countries: Urban Areas

The elderly living in urban areas of developing countries tend to be educated, have worked in the organized sector and often have savings or pension plans. They also tend to be socially active. Most of them live with their children and grandchildren. With increasing population density, houses in urban areas are becoming smaller and smaller with the result that multiple generations are living together in two or three rooms which creates serious problems due to loss of privacy. Due to economic pressures, large numbers of women are entering the work force leaving no one to care for the frail or sick elderly at home. Also, domestic servants, the traditional domestic helpers in developing countries are becoming scarce. Moreover, with the rising cost of food and medical care the elderly are becoming a financial burden on some families. Thus, some urban elderly today feel neglected and others feel guilty of being a burden on the family.

Pension to the elderly which is restricted to the organized sector is usually extremely meager and out of proportion to the existing cost of living. Very few people have planned for financial security in their old age. This becomes an important issue if total family income is small or the elderly are living alone.

Many elderly find it difficult to adjust to rapid technological advances such as computerized banking which is an essential part of modern day life in cities. The pace of life is becoming too rapid to handle. Older people find it difficult to drive on congested streets and disorganized traffic.

As yet, there are few elderly who live either alone or only with their spouses. If they are able bodied and financially secure they can be quite comfortable. However, if they are frail or sick they can be greatly disadvantaged. A major concern of urban elderly living alone is falling victim to criminals who find them an easy prey.

Generally, the aged of today living in urban areas of developing countries are reasonably well-cared for by their families, although the joint family system is under stress. Both the elderly and their families are beginning to feel the pressure of social change.