What is Elder abuse?
Elder abuse is defined as an act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring in any relation where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm to an older person”. It is growing international problem which affects the Health and Human Rights of millions of older persons in different countries and cultures. Elder abuse is a concern that exists in both developing and developed countries yet is underreported globally.
Forms of Elder Abuse
The abuse can categorize as physical, sexual, psychological or financial.
- Physical Abuse: This includes hitting, pushing, and Inappropriate use of drugs etc. Senior citizens are facing violence from their own children, relatives and even outside the relations. This kind of behavior can cause injury, impairment and even death.
- Sexual Abuse: Although we have not thought about it as a major issue at this age but elderly people often face this issue. Cases of elderly women getting raped have been reported from time to time in several parts of the world.
- Financial Abuse: It is improper use of old people money or misusing or stealing a person’s money or assets.
- Emotional or psychological abuse: Deliberately neglecting elders is one of abuse that is ignored. But it has bad impact on them. This leads them to confinement and isolation.
NGO Survey Report
A non-governmental organization, recently conducted a survey in 22 cities. The report was released by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on the eve of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD – 15th June). The theme was “Digital Equity for All Ages.”
Key Findings of the Report
- Elders financial situation: 52% of those surveyed said that they did not have enough money, and 40% said they did not feel financially secure. Moreover, 57% of elders stated their spending exceeded their savings, and 45 % said their pension was not enough to support them.
- Senior citizens who work: 71% of senior persons do not work, whereas 36% are willing to work and 40% wish to work. 30% of the elders said they wishes to spend their time in various social causes.
- Elders health coverage: 87% of elders reported that they have access to healthcare services nearby. However, 78% of seniors quoted the lack of online healthcare services, and a significant 67% of seniors said they do not have health insurance at this vital stage in their lives, with only 13 percent covered by government insurance schemes.
- Elder abuse:59 percent of elders consider that elder abuse is common in society, 10% say they have been victims.
Why there is Need to protect the elderly population?
- Elders have an ample amount of personal and professional experience; society can easily use that knowledge for a better tomorrow.
- They can serve as a vital generational connection for future generations, offering support to families and society.
- In joint families, grandparents play major role in teaching values and morals to the next generation. As a result, they will be helpful in raising better human beings and responsible citizens.
- Their robust cultural impersonations and social experiences act as a protective shield against intolerance, violence, and hate crimes.
What needs to be done?
The obstacle of elder abuse cannot be properly solved until older people’s basic needs for food, shelter, protection and access to healthcare are not met.
- Elderly people must have access to good quality health care in an age-sensitive manner.
- There is a need to pay more attention towards the social security of senior citizens in the country.
- The government must propose a comprehensive preventive package, that creates awareness regarding common elderly problems with a focus on nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being.
- Rehabilitation, community or home based support should also be provided when needed, in a holistic manner, to effectively address the issue to failing health among the elderly.
- Those who are unable to earn sufficient income should be assisted to do so.
- The best way to address mistreatment towards elderly is to counsel families and address the issue at all levels in different forums, including the print and audio-visual media.
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