Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Dealing with aged

The article “China greying — and learning to live with it” (July 19) should serve as an eye-opener to India, where too there is little security for the aged unlike in the past when they were cared for by their family members. The government has no social security measures for those who are not covered by pensions. With the advent of western culture and breaking up of joint families, the fate of the old is increasingly becoming a question mark.

T.V. Narayana,
Nellore

China’s phenomenon 4-2-1 is better than that of India where in some cases it is 2-2-0, as the only male child migrates to the better world seeking better pay leaving the elders to fend for themselves. Social customs need to be strengthened to protect our elders.

Basala Babu Rao,
Guntur

Better access to health facilities and the overall improvement in the living conditions have considerably increased the longevity of people. But this has come at a price as is evident in China which is facing profound economic and social challenges because of an ageing population.

Avi Prasad,
New Delhi

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