Kashmir is one such land that is really stunning, and so when one thinks of it, the place conjures up images of scenic beauty, snow-covered mountains, and quiet valleys. However, the reality that many of the aged population witness is starkly in contrast to this rosy picture-‘abandoned, neglected, and growingly susceptible.’
Elderly population in Kashmir face the same problems as the aged people in most other parts of the world, but what they face specifically has to do with the particular socio-political and environmental structure of the region. The elderly population of Kashmir is undergoing a crisis, which needs immediate attention, be it the wounds of conflict, isolation compounded by topographic problems, or lack of health infrastructure.
The much-needed concern for the elderly in Kashmir is Infrastructure-poor healthcare. Almost the entire part of this region lacks the geriatric care specialization which directly makes the elderly unable to get the needed medical care.
These older people mostly have common conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis. Such conditions demand a regular course of treatment and medication, which is often inaccessible or not easily available for the reason of lack of transport networks and distances between many villages.
Majorly, the aged people of Kashmir are extremely isolated, both physically and emotionally. The area is rugged with difficult winter conditions and limited transportation, which makes social interaction all the more difficult for elderly people.
Lots of elderly people live alone or get minimal family support, especially in rural and isolated areas, where seasons, their resultant weather patterns, and often limited infrastructure severely influenced mobility.
The condition of the elderly population of Kashmir is not unmanageable in various aspects, and those challenges are not simple. Immediate action by the government and the local authorities is necessary to initiate this process.
More importantly, family and community relations should be cared for so that elderly people do not feel isolated anymore.
In a land marred with much suffering, the elderly go through the worst phase of trauma, conflict, and neglect. These senior citizens deserve hearing their voices, restoring their dignity, and prioritizing their well-being. Hence, a better state of the elderly is not a moral responsibility but also reflects the values which define Kashmir as a society.
