A new problem
The proclamation of May 29 as National Day for the Elderly constitutes yet another landmark in this country's road of growth and development. Not so much because the act reflects growing concern for the well-being of our elderly, but because it reflects the fact that the demographic structure of our society is shifting. This represents a recognition of all the problems and benefits which that shift is now bringing into focus.
As President Soeharto noted yesterday at the launching of National Day for the Elderly in Semarang, Central Java, about half a century ago, when the average life expectancy of the average Indonesian was only 46, the typical elderly person was incapable of looking after him or herself. Today, many people in their 60s and 70s are still doing active work in their respective fields of expertise.
As health, education and welfare improved, the President noted, elderly people started actively participating in the nation's drive to development. Each year, tens of thousands of retired civil servants and armed forces personnel take on new jobs, bringing their experience and professional skills with them.
May 29 was chosen as National Day for the Elderly because on that day in 1945, the first session of the Preparatory Committee for the Independence of Indonesia (BPUPKI) opened in Jakarta under the chairmanship of Dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat, who was then 66 years old. Under his chairmanship, the discussions took place that led to the formulation of the all-important Preamble of the Constitution which contains the national ideology, Pancasila.
Experts project that by the year 2020, which is 24 years from now, the proportion of elderly Indonesians will more than double, from 5.5 percent in 1900 to 11.4 percent.
In the past five years their numbers have risen from 11.8 million to 14.2 million in absolute terms. The biggest growth -- more than 42 percent of the total -- occurred in the 70-74 bracket, compared to around 18 percent for those in their 60s and 19 percent for those over 75.
But while this increased longevity is a welcome benefit of development, the fact remains that this demographic shift is precipitating problems that will need to be addressed soon. Keeping the growing ranks of the retired in useful work is one of those challenges.
Yet while many elderly remain in rude health to a respectable age, many of them will need care. This is a social burden that needs to be anticipated now if we are to realize the constitutional pledge to look after the welfare of every Indonesian citizen.
We believe that our culture, with its emphasis on the extended family, can help ensure a contented old age for our elderly; we also believe this first National Day for the Elderly is an excellent occasion to start making sure that life continues to be worth living for our older citizens.