Nearly 71 Pct of Indian Elders Compelled To Work

New Delhi: Nearly 71 percent of India's elderly aged between 60 to 80 years are compelled to work, said a survey conducted by United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA) India.

The survey, partnered with many other organisations, noted that 71 percent elderly work due to economic necessity and not by choice, and that there is a close link between current work participation and poverty and illiteracy.

The survey was done in seven states - Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, where higher elderly proportion exists.

The survey was conducted on the socio-economic status, work participation and benefits, income and asset holding, living arrangement patterns and familial relations, health status, utilisation and financing of health care, and reach and awareness of social security schemes among the elderly.

Giving a snapshot of the work and income status of elders in India, the survey indicated that the work participation rate among elderly males is 39 percent as against 11 percent among women. Majority of them were aged between 60 and 69 years.

"Even the 13 percent of elderly men and three percent of women who are 80 years of age and above work," it said.

"Although work participation is low among women, the survey indicates that they contribute to the family chores, enabling the other adult members to go to work."

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