Syllabus: Paper I > 9.7 Concepts and methods of Ecological Anthropology > Human adaptability
Elderly and Senescence in Developing and Developed Countries — 2018 Paper I
Question · 2018 · Paper I · 10 Marks
Issues of Elderly and Senescence in Developing and Developed Countries
Model Answer
VAID ICSApproach
- Demand of Question: Compare the major biological and socio-cultural problems of ageing in developing and developed societies.
- Structuring the Response: Define senescence, contrast socioeconomic and health issues in both settings, and identify common challenges.
- Key Dimensions to Cover: Longevity, chronic disease, dementia, pensions, family support, migration, institutional care, loneliness, feminization and ageism.
Model Answer
Introduction: Senescence refers to progressive biological deterioration associated with ageing, while the problems experienced by the elderly are also shaped by economic conditions, family organization and cultural values.
Developing countries
Major issues include:
- inadequate pensions and social security;
- dependence on family support;
- limited geriatric healthcare;
- poverty and continuing labour in old age;
- malnutrition;
- migration of younger family members;
- elder abuse and neglect.
Rapid urbanization can weaken traditional intergenerational support systems.
Developed countries
Longer life expectancy produces a larger proportion of very old persons, increasing:
- dementia and Alzheimer’s disease;
- chronic degenerative illness;
- demand for long-term care;
- pension expenditure;
- healthcare costs;
- institutionalization.
Social isolation and loneliness may become particularly significant.
| Developing societies | Developed societies |
| Resource scarcity | Longevity-related care burden |
| Weak formal security | High pension/health expenditure |
| Family dependency | Greater institutional care |
| Limited geriatric services | Chronic disease and dementia |
Common issues include ageism, declining functional capacity, widowhood and the feminization of ageing.
Conclusion: Ageing is a biocultural process: biological senescence is universal, but its consequences vary according to family systems, welfare institutions, gender and socioeconomic development.
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UPSC Anthropology Optional 2018 — Paper I
28 questions5(b) Advanced Molecular Anthropology Techniques
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.1 Human Genetics: Methods and Application > D.N.A. technology and recombinant technologies
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15 Marks
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15 Marks
Syllabus: Paper I > 7. Culture, language and communication > Social context of language use
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10 Marks150 words
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10 Marks150 words
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10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 6. Anthropological Theories > Cultural evolution > Gordon Childe
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10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 2.5 Kinship > Kinship terminology
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10 Marks150 words
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Syllabus: Paper I > 9.4(a) Numerical and structural aberrations (disorders)
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