Assessment of the Needs of Rural Older People in Bangladesh

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the needs of older population in rural Bangladesh. Through a purposive sampling, 80 participants were selected from eight villages located in eight administrative districts. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect some quantitative and mostly qualitative data. The study findings indicated that the majority of rural older people were in abject poverty, had limited social security and suffered from ill health, malnutrition, and inadequate medical and general health services. Also, they lacked steady income, had lost family relations, suffered from social isolation and loneliness, and are dependent on others. Due to loss of family relations, they lacked caregivers and had little or no social status and position, thus making them susceptible to depression, frustration and stress. Moreover, they have limited access to recreational and transportation facilities, as well as community-based support programmes. Our findings suggest implementation of social security and protection schemes in the rural area and extension of adequate and quality health care facilities to the rural older. In summary, rural older people in Bangladesh need a more balanced and integrated social and medical care policies to maintain a decent quality of life.

The burden of non-disabled frailty and its associated factors among older adults in Bangladesh

“…Thus, at an older age, many Bangladeshi people financially, emotionally, and physically depend on their adult family members and receive care from them. Evidence suggests that Bangladeshi large families often suffer a lot in satisfying the daily needs of their family members and older family members also receive suboptimal care [ 24 ]. Consequently, older adults may feel that the family members are non-responsive to their needs.…”

“…For some, loneliness may also be created due to neglect from family members which was more evident in our study as about 30% reported their family members were not responsive to their needs. As discussed in the previous paragraph, the financial constraint and demand to meet competing needs of multiple family members may result in sub-optimal care for the older family members and thus a feeling of neglect [ 24 ]. Recently, change in family dynamics is also noted in Bangladesh where nuclear family is being more popular and in some cases, older adults live with paid maids, separated from their children [ 29 ].…”

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among older individuals of rural Bangladesh: findings from a face-to-face interview

“…Prior to initiating the survey, participants were asked to obtain informed written consent (i.e., "Are you willing to participate in this study voluntarily and spontaneously?"). The inclusion criteria of the participants included: (i) individuals had to be aged ≥60 years (13), (ii) Bangladeshi resident, (iii) be rural dwellers (iv) native language was Bangla. The participants below 60 years were excluded at the time of the interview.…”

“…The Older Individuals population in rural areas of Bangladesh is notably susceptible due to the natural aging process and the presence of associated risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, their lower economic status further exacerbates these challenges (12,13). CVDs, including ischemic heart disease and stroke, have witnessed a rising prevalence in Bangladesh over the past few decades (14).…”

Senior Citizen’s Understanding Regarding the Quality of Life and Policy of Bangladesh

“…Furthermore, a growing number of older persons face thoughts of social exclusion and loneliness because of retirement or the death of a partner or friend [17]. In addition, another study from Berlin shows that people with poor economic conditions and poor health frequently experience physical and learning disabilities that may prevent them from engaging in social networking [18]. Therefore, socioeconomic conditions and health status affect the older population's quality of life.…”