Background of the Program:
Old age is a normal result of human life. Older men in old age suffer from various problems. One of the main problems of elderly people in Bangladesh is health problems and a poor economic situation. The family is an ancient organization in the context of our culture. In the past, elderly people would receive service and assistance from everyone in the joint family, and in this way, their time would have passed. At that time in the family and society, there was a special value and culture of taking as much time as possible to serve the elderly as well as to show respect and honor to them. But now the collective families are breaking down due to various social, cultural, and economic changes. The elderly members are losing sympathy for them, increasing negligence, and they are facing deprivation. Besides, nowadays, due to the decline of social values, elderly people are losing their power and respect from their own family and are gradually being excluded from all the activities of society. Especially for the old age problem of the grassroots elderly people, and on the other hand, due to their extreme financial poverty, they are being deprived of all types of services of family, and in every aspect of society. As a result, these populations are constantly facing various social security risks, which may be marked as a national problem in the future. There is no way to disregard this huge population of society. So, now the development of the lives of elderly people has become a very important issue at the national and international level. Considering this matter as an important issue, Dak Diye Jai (DDJ) has started implementing this program at Balipara Union under Indurkani Upazila of Pirojpur district with funding support from PKSF.
Duration: July 2017 to present.
Area Coverage: Balipara union under Indurkani upazila of Pirojpur district
Source of Funding: Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF)
Goal of the Program: To help lessen the misery of elderly people.
Target Group/People: Elderly people of the program area.
Elderly Support Program – Key Activities
- Identification & Updating: Annual listing of elderly individuals in Balipara Union.
- Infrastructure: Establishment of social centers for the elderly.
- Community Engagement: Formation of committees at village, ward, and union levels with monthly meetings and training.
- Financial Assistance: Provision of old age allowances, funeral support, and special savings and credit schemes.
- Essential Aids: Distribution of assistive items (e.g., umbrella, walking sticks, wheelchairs, blankets).
- Health Services: Access to general healthcare and physiotherapy.
- Recognition: Honoring outstanding elderly and supportive children.
- Shelter Support: Housing aid for financially disadvantaged elderly members.
Awareness & Inclusion: Organizing rallies, observance days, fairs, and programs to promote elderly welfare.