[QUOTE=The dream of rain;1113232][B]1. Discuss the status of elderly people in Pakistani society.[/B]

Looking at the question at first i drew some other picture but then i pondered over this thought.

Status of elderly people in Pakistani society portrays a bleak picture. As the society is deprived of providing social and economic program for them. Therefore, they lack health facilities, face chronic diseases and mental health issues like depression, loneliness, etc. Besides, they also confront lack of resources, for instance, loss of income for their personal sustenance, economic dependency, social problems like loss of social relations, alienation from family and scarcity of elderly care units. Such a poor status of elderly people in Pakistani society is evident from society's reluctance to celebrate International Day for Older People.

Whats your take? Awaiting for views.[/QUOTE]

I had shared my views on this questions earlier on this thread. In my opinion, issues such as loneliness, and economic dependency, and personal sustenance don't hold much weight in Pakistan's society. Yes, there are increasing cases of neglect, but the answer can be structured with a top down approach that highlights the status of elderly people in our society with respect to social institutions such as family and religion, and then proceeds to present a modern take on the social standing of elderly people with our society leaning more towards the modern, materialistic world view. This can help explain the trend towards striving for financial independence from an early age, how that leads one away from his/her family, and how the care of the elderly is thus neglected. This point can be further elaborated by the need of elder care centers and the role of the state in ensuring basic human rights. However, one can also make a point of propagating the need of keeping the family unit strong, as it has historically been a stronghold of social relations with multiple actors involved in caring for each other. We can further add that religion as a social institution adds to our responsibility to our elders (Quran, 4:36, 17:23, 2:177). In my view, involving certain sociological aspects to our answer can help build strong arguments, whether positive or negative.

[QUOTE=Muhammadwd;1113260]I had shared my views on this questions earlier on this thread. In my opinion, issues such as loneliness, and economic dependency, and personal sustenance don't hold much weight in Pakistan's society. Yes, there are increasing cases of neglect, but the answer can be structured with a top down approach that highlights the status of elderly people in our society with respect to social institutions such as family and religion, and then proceeds to present a modern take on the social standing of elderly people with our society leaning more towards the modern, materialistic world view. This can help explain the trend towards striving for financial independence from an early age, how that leads one away from his/her family, and how the care of the elderly is thus neglected. This point can be further elaborated by the need of elder care centers and the role of the state in ensuring basic human rights. However, one can also make a point of propagating the need of keeping the family unit strong, as it has historically been a stronghold of social relations with multiple actors involved in caring for each other. We can further add that religion as a social institution adds to our responsibility to our elders (Quran, 4:36, 17:23, 2:177). In my view, involving certain sociological aspects to our answer can help build strong arguments, whether positive or negative.[/QUOTE]
I agree with your opinion although the approach of The Dream of Rain is also correct regarding a certain segment in our society. This segment of population is small but will get bigger with the time as we are heading in a wrong direction. The glorification of working 10-12 hours a day in the name of financial independence (which is a fraud actually) is worsening the issue of elderly (along with many other problems but those are not in the scope of this question) in Pakistan. The elderly will remain dependent economically and socially just like a child in young age. This reality can't be avoided. Approaches to reach at this issue must be more than one as Pakistan is diverse but all of them should eventually require a same solution, a solution which doesn't create two more problems by solving one which happens in most of the societies.
In my opinion the solution will make a difference in this question, not approaches because owing to cultural diversity of Pakistan no matter how do you discuss this issue, it will be admissible up to some extent.

[QUOTE=Dire Wolf;1113262]I agree with your opinion although the approach of The Dream of Rain is also correct regarding a certain segment in our society. This segment of population is small but will get bigger with the time as we are heading in a wrong direction. The glorification of working 10-12 hours a day in the name of financial independence (which is a fraud actually) is worsening the issue of elderly (along with many other problems but those are not in the scope of this question) in Pakistan. The elderly will remain dependent economically and socially just like a child in young age. This reality can't be avoided. Approaches to reach at this issue must be more than one as Pakistan is diverse but all of them should eventually require a same solution, a solution which doesn't create two more problems by solving one which happens in most of the societies.
In my opinion the solution will make a difference in this question, not approaches because owing to cultural diversity of Pakistan no matter how do you discuss this issue, it will be admissible up to some extent.[/QUOTE]

Agreed. However, I do wonder about the possible steps that can be taken. State intervention in cases of neglect with the state providing stipends to
needy families for the care of the elderly, can be one solution.
A bill addressing the rights of the elderly and duties of the young towards them can also be presented with neglect being a punishable offence, giving the elderly the right to invoke state help through hotline etc., much like the Zainab Alert Bill.
Like you said, this issue needs to be addressed first at the micro level (the family), and then the macro level (the government). There is only so much that the state can do to protect the hordes of elderly people that can possibly flood the streets as homeless people if the family structure is destroyed.

[QUOTE=Dire Wolf;1113262]I agree with your opinion although the approach of The Dream of Rain is also correct regarding a certain segment in our society. This segment of population is small but will get bigger with the time as we are heading in a wrong direction. The glorification of working 10-12 hours a day in the name of financial independence (which is a fraud actually) is worsening the issue of elderly (along with many other problems but those are not in the scope of this question) in Pakistan. The elderly will remain dependent economically and socially just like a child in young age. This reality can't be avoided. Approaches to reach at this issue must be more than one as Pakistan is diverse but all of them should eventually require a same solution, a solution which doesn't create two more problems by solving one which happens in most of the societies.
In my opinion the solution will make a difference in this question, not approaches because owing to cultural diversity of Pakistan no matter how do you discuss this issue, it will be admissible up to some extent.[/QUOTE]


I do not disagree with you both.
I agree Direwolf that they will be economically and socially depended at this age. But, certain extent of economic independence is required for them to support their livelihood and health expenditures. After all, they depend on their kids due to lack of social security programs for them by govt. Socially there is alienation for them, mostly because of immobility, death of a partner, friends and being left out by children somewhat.

This question though argumentative can be explained by everyone differently. Even when i saw the question two ideas sprung out of my mind.
first approach correlates to the position (status) they enjoy with respect to the class, caste and by profession etc... which is exalted. But, this approach does not appease to my exposition of the question.

Second view i already defined as in the status they hold in our society at micro (family and community) and macro (government and different institutions) levels, which are problems, issues and challenges they face at that age. Specifying social care, economic alienation, moral challenges mental health issues and shortness of (nearly none) institutional care units/centers. (I consider this to be safe and it is mere reiteration of my prior thoughts).
Though, these problems are not only creation of families or communities but also at large institutional and involve government. Being concise i just hold "solutions" are not required we just need to focus on status they hold in society as addressed in "second" view.

[QUOTE=Muhammadwd;1113265]Agreed. However, I do wonder about the possible steps that can be taken. State intervention in cases of neglect with the state providing stipends to
needy families for the care of the elderly, can be one solution.
A bill addressing the rights of the elderly and duties of the young towards them can also be presented with neglect being a punishable offence, giving the elderly the right to invoke state help through hotline etc., much like the Zainab Alert Bill.
Like you said, this issue needs to be addressed first at the micro level (the family), and then the macro level (the government). There is only so much that the state can do to protect the hordes of elderly people that can possibly flood the streets as homeless people if the family structure is destroyed.[/QUOTE]
Along with what you have mentioned (state stipend and due rights in Islam) I will add two things.
1. Reforming economic policies so that the burden on working class can be lowered, which will give them time to take care of elderly. Currently they are working 10-12 hours and now even their women are working outside but still they are struggling for basic needs.As a result they don't have any time neither for themselves nor for the elderly.

2. Providing basic provisions to all of the citizens in Pakistan. This will benefit two age groups the most; one is children and second is of course the elderly.

[QUOTE=Dire Wolf;1113270]Along with what you have mentioned (state stipend and due rights in Islam) I will add two things.
1. Reforming economic policies so that the burden on working class can be lowered, which will give them time to take care of elderly. Currently they are working 10-12 hours and now even their women are working outside but still they are struggling for basic needs.As a result they don't have any time neither for themselves nor for the elderly.

2. Providing basic provisions to all of the citizens in Pakistan. This will benefit two age groups the most; one is children and second is of course the elderly.[/QUOTE]

Seconded.

[QUOTE=The dream of rain;1113269]I do not disagree with you both.
I agree Direwolf that they will be economically and socially depended at this age. But, certain extent of economic independence is required for them to support their livelihood and health expenditures. After all, they depend on their kids due to lack of social security programs for them by govt. Socially there is alienation for them, mostly because of immobility, death of a partner, friends and being left out by children somewhat.

This question though argumentative can be explained by everyone differently. Even when i saw the question two ideas sprung out of my mind.
first approach correlates to the position (status) they enjoy with respect to the class, caste and by profession etc... which is exalted. But, this approach does not appease to my exposition of the question.

Second view i already defined as in the status they hold in our society at micro (family and community) and macro (government and different institutions) levels, which are problems, issues and challenges they face at that age. Specifying social care, economic alienation, moral challenges mental health issues and shortness of (nearly none) institutional care units/centers. (I consider this to be safe and it is mere reiteration of my prior thoughts).
Though, these problems are not only creation of families or communities but also at large institutional and involve government. Being concise i just hold "solutions" are not required we just need to focus on status they hold in society as addressed in "second" view.[/QUOTE]
Social security programs are also
for economically dependent. They will be dependent on state like they will get some monthly stipend or facilities.

But you summed it up in your last words. Your focus is on the present status of elderly while mine is on the causes and solution. I do not know for sure which one is right but it is just that if I had been present in that paper I would have attempted like this with my current level of understanding.

[QUOTE=Dire Wolf;1113272]Social security programs are also
for economically dependent. They will be dependent on state like they will get some monthly stipend or facilities.

But you summed it up in your last words. Your focus is on the present status of elderly while mine is on the causes and solution. I do not know for sure which one is right but it is just that if I had been present in that paper I would have attempted like this with my current level of understanding.[/QUOTE]

I don't think "causes and solutions" are demanded by the question. Anyways, you can write what you feel to.

[QUOTE=The dream of rain;1113280]I don't think "causes and solutions" are demanded by the question. Anyways, you can write what you feel to.[/QUOTE]
Hi,
I am really sorry to intrude in this discussion, but I believe that this thread might actually be one of the most insightful places on this whole forum.

I have a query, and hope you could help me out. I would like to inquire from which books/resources are you preparing for the examination? If you could just briefly describe the resources that you are consulting, it would help me immensely. Thanks

[QUOTE=WallsOfStone;1113297]Hi,
I am really sorry to intrude in this discussion, but I believe that this thread might actually be one of the most insightful places on this whole forum.

I have a query, and hope you could help me out. I would like to inquire from which books/resources are you preparing for the examination? If you could just briefly describe the resources that you are consulting, it would help me immensely. Thanks[/QUOTE]

There's nothing to be sorry about. This thread is created for the purpose to help each other out. We all are learner here!

Now for the sources that are used for preparing this subject are different for every member. I use certain book like Horton and hunt's Sociology and Internet. Other will have different sources too.

Hope it helps!