Medical and social assistance to the elderly taking into account modern realities in Tajikistan and forecasts for the future

Purpose of the study. Development and implementation of recommendations for improving medical and social assistance to persons of retirement age based on a comprehensive social-hygienic and medical-demographic study of the health status, lifestyle and state of gerontological care for the elderly population in the republic.

Material and methods of the research. An analytical review of aging in the Republic of Tajikistan, national legislation and international recommendations on issues of older people was conducted. The qualitative methods studied were: focus group discussions, individual interviews, in-depth interviews, interviews with experts, psychological testing. The research materials were the reporting and accounting documentation of medical and preventive and medical and social institutions, as well as questionnaires developed for elderly people on medical and social issues.

Results of the study and their discussion. As a result of the study, it was found that only 8% of those surveyed had no education, and they were women, 34% had higher education, 28% had secondary education, and 30% had vocational education. The survey found that all beneficiaries’ main income was only their pension, even if they had higher education and professions that are currently in demand (teacher, doctor). It was found that 56% of beneficiaries had a great desire to work, however, they were not hired because of their age. This attitude towards the elderly is a violation of human rights through discrimination against them based on age, although it is well known that the elderly are a huge human capital and can make a significant contribution to the economic development of the country. The same attitude of employers was revealed towards disabled people of groups 2 and 3, which is a manifestation of the infringement of rights and dignity. The problem for everyone is the small pension size, which does not satisfy their needs, despite the level of education. They experienced difficulties in acquiring the necessary medications. In self-assessment of health, all assessed their health as “average”. None of the beneficiaries were prepared for old age either psychologically, physically or financially, beneficiaries especially point to loneliness, lack of attention, which indicates ignorance of issues of the culture of aging.

Conclusion. The conducted analysis showed that the structure of health care for full coverage of persons over 60 years of age, provision of medical care requires training a sufficient number of gerontologists and development of gerontological service in the republic. Low pensions dictate the need to provide access to work for elderly people, which will improve their economic situation. It is necessary to conduct information work to prepare the elderly for active and healthy aging.

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2. Global Population Prospects, UN News, 2019.

3. Address of the President E. Rahmon to Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan, April 24, 2013 and Address of the President E. Rahmon to Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan, January 23, 2015.

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5. State Agency on Statistics under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan. – 2020.

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7. United Nations principles for older persons* Adopted by General Assembly resolution 46/91 of 16 December 1991.