Management of Support Services, Institutions and Programmes for Children, Youth and Elderly

Children, youth and elderly are vulnerable because each of these groups has special needs, and if those needs are not met they are more likely to be affected by difficult circumstances.

- Children are vulnerable because childhood is a period of rapid development in all domains. They need food, shelter, health care, love, nurturance and stimulation in a holistic manner. If they face malnutrition, lack of care, neglect, abuse or no access to education, their full potential is affected.
- Youth are vulnerable because this is a period of biological, emotional and social change. They face stress from peer pressure, competition, problems in identity formation, substance abuse, and risks related to sexual and reproductive health. Youth in special situations such as rural and tribal areas, out-of-school youth, female adolescents, youth with disabilities, and those who are trafficked, orphaned or street children are especially vulnerable.
- Elderly are vulnerable because of health problems, reduced physiological reserves, disabilities such as poor vision, deafness and loss of mobility, loneliness, dependence on younger family members, and reduced family support due to changes in family structure and city life. Many elderly are also poor and live in difficult conditions.

Thus, all three groups are vulnerable because their needs are often not fully met and adverse circumstances can have a greater harmful impact on them.

Youth programmes should help young people become socially useful and economically productive, and should provide opportunities for education, training, health, participation and recreation. Appropriate programmes include:

- National Service Scheme (NSS): involves college students in social service and national development activities like road repair, tree plantation, sanitation, family welfare, child care and vocational training.
- National Service Volunteer Scheme / Nehru Yuva Kendras: supports youth participation in adult education, youth clubs, work camps, leadership training, vocational training, sports and games.
- Promotion of adventure: activities like trekking, mountaineering, hiking, canoeing, cycling and similar adventure activities to develop risk-taking, teamwork and endurance.
- Scouts and Guides: training and rallies to develop character, loyalty, patriotism, balanced physical and mental development, and social service.
- Commonwealth Youth Programme: encourages youth participation in development processes and promotes understanding among Commonwealth countries.
- Promotion of national integration: youth exchange visits, camps and seminars to build understanding of India’s cultural diversity.

So, youth programmes should focus on education, employment, leadership, health, social service, adventure, recreation and national integration.

Some important concerns with respect to the elderly are:

- Health problems: ageing reduces physiological reserves and defence mechanisms, so older persons are more prone to illness.
- Disabilities and functional limitations: low vision, blindness, deafness, loss of mobility from arthritis, and difficulty in self-care.
- Loneliness and isolation: children may move away for marriage or work, leaving elderly persons alone.
- Financial dependence: many become dependent on younger family members.
- Reduced family support: in cities there may be small nuclear families, lack of time, limited space, high cost of living and changing values, which reduce support for older persons.
- Poverty and insecurity: a large percentage of senior citizens are below the poverty line.
- Need for care and protection: they require economic support, health care, companionship and a social environment sensitive to emotional needs.

The chapter also says that the elderly should be recognised as a human resource, and their experience should be used for national development.