NEW DELHI, June 14: As many as 25 per cent to 30 per cent of elderly persons in India are victims of abuse, mistreatment and even torture, according to a recent informal study.
The survey “Elder Abuse of Older Persons in India,” was conducted by NGO Agewell Foundation after holding conversations with 1000 old people.
It says only about only 5 per cent of the older people who were facing elder abuse, mistreatment or torture actually went ahead and complained to the police or any other authorities.
“The reasons for the elderly not coming out and complaining are many,” Himanshu Rath of Agewell Foundation says.
“One of the most common reasons is the old person’s fear of losing family members or support. He or she fears that reporting the crime will result in tension and stress in old age, as the abuser may discontinue relations once accused, charged, or convicted.”
As for the psychological aspect of it all, Rath says, “People hate loneliness, alienation and marginalisation in old age. That’s why they prefer to keep mum and keep suffering abuse and mistreatment.”
The study also assessed the reasons for non-reporting of abuse of the elderly. It was revealed that there was lack of awareness about the issue even among older people and society.
“Inherent traditional family values, non-implementation of policies on protection of human rights of older persons and availability of fewer opportunities for social interaction to the older persons were major factors responsible for non-reporting of cases of elder abuse or violation of their human rights,” it says.
The informal study revealed that vast population of the elderly finds itself in a very helpless situation. It put forth a few cases in point.
The study puts forth tips for old people including staying sociable as they age; maintaining and increasing the network of friends and acquaintances.
Keeping in contact with old friends and neighbors if they move in with a relative or shift to a new address and inviting friends to visit them at home.
Other options include accepting new opportunities for activities like bringing in new friends, participating in community activities and avoiding interference in the lives of younger family members. (PTI)
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