Editorial: Uncared for and abused, elderly on the edge
Despite a law guaranteeing maintenance for parents and grandparents, awareness of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, remains low
One of the ironies of the present times is that, on the one hand, people are living longer and healthier lives, but on the other hand, instances of abuse and abandonment of the elderly are on the rise. As June 15 is observed as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, it is an occasion for a candid assessment of the plight of senior citizens and the discrimination they endure in the twilight years of their lives. As far as India is concerned, the disturbing reality is that several elderly persons are abandoned by their own kith and kin. A national survey by HelpAge has revealed that 35% of senior citizens living with their families suffered abuse at the hands of their sons. Because family members and close relatives are often the perpetrators of abuse, there is a need to examine how constrained older adults feel about reporting such abuse. There is also significant variation in reporting between States, as per the HelpAge survey and the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) — indicating underreporting may be more common in some States, perhaps due to socio-cultural reasons. The demographic trends in India indicate a growing elderly population. It is estimated that the 60-plus age segment will account for over 20% of the country’s population by 2050, rising from the current 11–12% to reach 347 million. The National Crime Records Bureau has reported an 18% rise in abuse cases between 2023 and 2024.
The emergence of nuclear families, particularly in urban areas, has led to the collapse of support systems for the aged, while a lack of financial independence further exacerbates their plight. This is ironic for a nation that takes pride in its culture and the long-standing tradition of respecting and caring for elders. There was a time when the aged were considered repositories of wisdom and were looked upon with respect for guidance in difficult times. The physical safety and care of the aged becomes a challenge for society at a time when the elderly population grapples with not just age-related issues but also the biases and intolerance of the younger generation. The growing number of old-age homes across the country is a testimony to the increasing instances of elders being not just ill-treated but also thrown out of homes once they have lost their utility value. Though legislative protection exists in the form of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, there is not much public awareness about it. The landmark law allows parents and grandparents to seek maintenance from their children. Significantly, it directs the state to provide medical care and security for older adults, as well as to create more shelters. Though a majority of the States have implemented the Act, awareness about it remains very low.
