The response to growing need for long term care for elders in Sri Lanka and difficulties in predicting demand

Abstract

Sri Lanka has been ageing more rapidly than other countries in the region. The pace of ageing has been much faster than in the wealthy countries in the world. The implications of the demographic transition for the economy are considerable, both negative and positive. Review of the development of policies, legislation and programmes relevant to long term care (LTC) provides an interesting picture. Since the first National Policy on Elders was formulated in 1993, several excellent and comprehensive policies, legislation and action plans have been developed. They are evidence-based and rights-based, and were developed through consultation processes with a wide range of stakeholders, including elders. The process itself has increased awareness and networking between relevant sectors. However, as Mr Rajiva Wijisinhe has reported, implementation has not yet been taken to scale, and one reason for this is the lack of a coordinating mechanism. During the past two decades there have been a number of impressive champions for healthy and active ageing from varied backgrounds - demographers, social scientists, health economists, clinicians, government bureaucrats, civil society, and business people.