Abandoned, beaten up and left on the road to fend for themselves, the elderly in India lead a very different life from the ideal one we see in Hindi films.
In a 2014 survey, 50% of the elderly population in India reported abuse. 77% lived with their families and reported the abuser to be a son, daughter, or daughter-in-law. Abuse can be physical, emotional or verbal, but it is rarely registered with the police. Shame, financial dependence and affection prevent the abused from speaking out.
Study by Agewell Foundation reveals many sad truths about the living conditions of the aged. The study reveals that due to lack of awareness about their rights in old age, many people are compelled to live in inhuman conditions. With significant increase in the elderly population, it has been noticed by volunteers that elder abuse has become rampant and that a majority of older people have resigned to their circumstances for sake of well-being of their loved ones and their own peace of mind.
The study, which had a sample size of 3,400 spread across 323 districts across the country, also stated that older women are more prone to suffer abuse due to factors like gender discrimination, longer life span than older men, longer span of widowhood and no source of income as traditionally most of them are housewives.
Other activists who have been working on the issue, opine that the government must create awareness about the rights of the elderly.
But more than the government, it ultimately comes down to the loved ones of the aged who are truly responsible for keeping them happy and healthy. It just takes giving some respect and care to the elderly to make their day.
Source: www.thehindu.com
