Abstract:
Population ageing is of current interest in Sri Lanka mainly due to the rapidity of the
process. Ageing is occurring parallel to the socio-economic transformation taking place
in the country, suggesting that it should be viewed in a different light to that of the past.
The objective of this study is to look into one aspect of social transformation and ageing,
i.e. the economic activities of elderly; particularly its urban rural differences. Specific
focus is given to identify why the elderly engage in economic activities, what activities
they engage in, and what they gain from being employed. Data is drawn from a survey
conducted in 2013, of 150 employed elders in two urban and rural Grama Niladari
Divisions in Hambantota District.
