Highlighting the need for improving financial independence as well as dignity of the elderly in the families, a national survey conducted by NGO Helpage India has found that at least 47 per cent elders are dependent on family for source of income while 59% elders feel that elder abuse is prevalent in society.
The report “Bridge the gap: understanding elders’ needs”, released here on Tuesday has painted a grim picture of the status of the elderly who were finding themselves at the receiving end at their sunset years.
“Nationally 59% elders feel that elder abuse is prevalent in society, while only 10% elders admitted to being a victim of elder abuse, with relatives (36%), son (35%) & daughter-in-law (21%) being the top 3 perpetrators,” according to the report. It noted that disrespect (57%), verbal abuse (38%), neglect (33%), economic exploitation (24%) and an alarming 13% elders experienced physical abuse, in the form of beating and slapping. Elders attribute the abuse to their sons’ (35%) and daughters’ in law (44%) as the biggest perpetrators of abuse, said the report based on the survey.
The report was released by R Subrahmanyam, Secretary, Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, at an event here on Tuesday, ahead of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.
“Nationally 47% of those abused stated they ‘stopped talking to family’ as a response to the abuse faced. Again family here becomes a key role player. With regard to prevention of abuse, 58% of elderly nationally opined that ‘counselling to family members’ is required, while 56% of elderly said to deal with abuse ‘time bound decisions’ and an age friendly response system needs to be put in place at a policy level,” noted report. Sadly, 46% of elders are not aware of any abuse redressal mechanism, with only 13 % aware of the ‘Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007’.
This throws up a stark need to have more robust awareness mechanisms put in place at a systemic level across country, through extensive campaigns, media outreach etc, as per the report. Underlining that dignity of a person is paramount, Subrahmanyam called upon elderly to form groups and take up various causes in society at various levels.
He also pointed out that elders even when abused by their family members were not approaching tribunals to get justice. “The NGOs and activists should help them and also create awareness among victims to seek justice in courts created for them.”
While this survey report largely reports situation amongst urban middle class, it only makes one question the plight of the poor urban and rural elderly, many who have no support system or adequate income or pension, added Rohit Prasad, CEO, HelpAge India.
The survey was conducted in 22 cities across the country with the involvement of 4,399 senior citizens and 2,200 caregivers from middle income families. When asked about the adequacy of income, nationally 52% elders reported it was inadequate. A substantial 40 % elders said they do not feel financially secure, citing their ‘incurred expenses are more than savings/income’ (57%) and ension not being enough (45%) as the top reasons. This suggests financial planning for later years and social security need much greater attention.