Demographic experts have explained that a contributor towards economic growth comes from dividends gained by a country’s government when its working population exceeds dependents (elderly and children). As Sri Lanka’s working population ages, its productivity also shows a decline due to physical and cognitive hindrances caused by ageing. By encouraging greater participation of women in the country’s labour force, the percentage of dependents of the population can be reduced. Prior to changes in the working age, a new set of population necessities such as visual and hearing aids and mobility equipment for an efficient working senior population, also needs to be addressed. Thus, areas such as palliative care and senior citizen psychology will have to develop with the ageing population of Sri Lanka.

Source: The Nation July 13, 2021 15:00 UTC