Urban Rural Differences in Economic Activity of the Elderly: A Case Study of Employed Elderly in Thangalle Divisional Secretariat, Sri Lanka

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.