In the midst of rising crime and abuse against India’s elderly, leading charity HelpAge India launched a security app SOS (Save our seniors) marking the World Elderly Abuse Awareness day.
The App was launched by lt Governor Najeeb Jung at the India International Centre on Tuesday. The app is currently available on android smart phones.
In the digital age, where one can access anything at the click, the SOS app is a unique tool which serves as a one-stop security measure for elders connecting them to local helplines across India.
One SOS call made to the app will be directly answered by the HelpAge counsellors. The service available 24X7 can be used by both the young and old. According to Mathew Cherian, CEO, HelpAge India “Help can come from any corner. The app is made not only for elders but also for society in general. Many good Samaritans want to help but often don’t know how, the SOS app is an answer to that.
Although several helplines do exist, ambiguous and cumbersome phone numbers act as a deterrent in reporting abuse.