Aging population is a global issue that started in developed countries but is growing rapidly in developing nations recent time. Sri Lanka has more elderly people and is aging faster than any other South Asian region. As part of the Sri Lanka, The spatial disparities of the aging population in Jaffna District and their socioeconomic and health effects are the main aim of this study. The study was visualized using secondary data from the annual statistical handbook and census and primary data from semi-structured interview to reveal elderly people's socio-economic challenges. Using ArcGIS 10.4, aged population ratio and annual increase rate were utilized to depict spatial differences. Vulnerable areas of aging population in Jaffna district were identified through the aged population ratio, annual increase of aging rate, health status and poverty level. According to that, in 2006, 13.68% of Jaffna's population is aged, rising to 16.15% in 2023. Different divisional secretariates have 9.15% to 17.36% aging populations in 2006. This range changes from 9.6% to 26.2% in 2023. The rising migration of the youth, decreasing birth rates, challenges in accessing medical and health services, and alterations in family structure in the Jaffna district hinder the acquisition of socio-economic medical and health benefits for the growing elderly population. It is essential to establish policies and activities that foster a conducive environment for healthy aging.

Authors:
Ponnaiah Bharathy, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Utpal Roy, University of Calcutta, India

About the Presenter(s)
I am Bharathy Ponnaiah and working as a senior lecturer Gr II at Department of Geography, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka.Now i am doing my PhD at the Department of Geography, University of Calcutta.

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bharathy-Ponnaiah

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