Abstract:
As the global population ages,
countries worldwide face various
demographic, economic, and social
challenges. According to the WHO
(2024), by 2030, one in every six people
globally will be 60 or older, with the population
aged 60 and above rising from
1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion. By 2050,
this number is expected to double. Population
ageing is an irreversible global
trend and Sri Lanka is also experiencing
one of the fastest-growing ageing populations
among developing nations. The
proportion of people over 60 in Sri Lanka
increased from 5.3% in 1953 to 10.8% in
2003 and is projected to reach one-quarter
of the population by 2030 (Kaluthantiri,
2015; Siddhisena, 2005). Ageing refers to the process of becoming
older, marked by gradual biological,
psychological, and social changes over
time (Närvänen, 2018). While this is a
natural part of life, its societal and economic
implications have advanced. In the
past, ageing often predestined limited life
expectancy, but advances in healthcare
have extended lifespans considerably.
However, this brings challenges such as
increased demand for healthcare, financial
support, and social services for the
elderly population.
