Why has 'active aging' become a glocal goal? Do you agree that the role of elderly care-giving is disproportionately gendered in developing countries? Why?

Understanding ‘Active Aging’ as a Glocal Goal

The rise of ‘active aging’ as a glocal goal is rooted in several interconnected factors:

• Demographic Transition: Developing countries are experiencing rapid demographic transitions, with increasing life expectancies and declining fertility rates, leading to a growing elderly population.
• Economic Development: As countries develop, there's a shift from traditional, family-based support systems to more formalized social security and healthcare systems. Active aging promotes continued economic participation of older adults, contributing to national productivity.
• Human Rights Framework: The United Nations Principles for Older Persons (1991) emphasize the rights of older persons to independence, participation, care, and self-fulfillment, aligning with the active aging philosophy.
• Health and Wellbeing: Promoting healthy lifestyles and preventative healthcare for older adults reduces the burden on healthcare systems and enhances their quality of life.
• Local Adaptations: The ‘glocal’ aspect is crucial. Active aging isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. In many developing countries, it involves adapting strategies to address specific cultural norms, economic realities, and healthcare infrastructure limitations. For example, community-based elder care programs are more feasible than expensive institutional care in many contexts.

Gendered Nature of Elderly Caregiving in Developing Countries

The role of elderly caregiving is demonstrably and disproportionately gendered in developing countries. This stems from deeply ingrained socio-cultural norms and economic realities:

• Traditional Gender Roles: In many developing societies, women are traditionally seen as the primary caregivers within the family. This expectation extends to caring for elderly parents and in-laws. Societal norms often dictate that caregiving is ‘natural’ for women.
• Economic Constraints: Formal elder care services are often unaffordable or unavailable in developing countries. This forces families to rely on informal care, typically provided by women who may have limited economic opportunities themselves.
• Limited Access to Education and Employment: Women in many developing countries have lower levels of education and employment, making caregiving a more viable option compared to pursuing career opportunities.
• Patriarchal Structures: Patriarchal structures often prioritize the needs of male family members, leaving women with the primary responsibility for caregiving. Decision-making power regarding elder care often rests with men, reinforcing this imbalance.
• Impact on Women’s Wellbeing: The burden of caregiving can have significant negative consequences for women’s physical and mental health, economic independence, and social participation. They often experience increased stress, depression, and financial hardship.

Comparative Analysis: Regional Variations

The extent of gendered caregiving varies across developing regions:

Region	Characteristics of Caregiving	Gender Disparities
South Asia (India, Bangladesh)	Strong family-based care systems; multigenerational households common.	Highly gendered; daughters-in-law often bear the primary responsibility.
Sub-Saharan Africa	Increasing urbanization and migration impacting traditional care systems.	Women disproportionately responsible, exacerbated by HIV/AIDS and its impact on family structures.
Latin America	Mix of formal and informal care; growing demand for professional caregivers.	Women still dominate caregiving roles, but there's a slight increase in male involvement due to changing social norms.

Policy Implications and Challenges

Addressing the gendered nature of elderly caregiving requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Strengthening Social Security Systems: Expanding access to pensions and healthcare for older adults reduces the financial burden on families.
• Investing in Elder Care Infrastructure: Developing affordable and accessible elder care facilities and home care services.
• Promoting Gender Equality: Empowering women through education, employment, and economic opportunities reduces their dependence on caregiving roles.
• Raising Awareness: Challenging traditional gender norms and promoting shared responsibility for caregiving within families and communities.
• Providing Support for Caregivers: Offering respite care, counseling, and financial assistance to caregivers, particularly women.