The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) first requested to establish the celebration in June 2006. In the year 2011, the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was officially recognised by the United General Assembly (UGNA).
The aim of this day is to spread awareness about abuse and negligence faced by senior citizens all over the world. This is a global issue that affects the health of the elderly and also diminishes their rights. This day is meant to prevent the crimes that go unnoticed by the general public and hope to bring awareness to them. This year’s theme for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is 'Digital Equity for all Ages’.
Most senior citizens after retiring, face financial issues, and domestic abuse which further deteriorates their mental health. In cases where they lose their spouse or other unfortunate incidents take place, they are forced to spend the rest of their lives in institutions that are also known as old age homes or senior living homes and as a result, they are isolated from their family, friends and the rest of the society. The people that are blessed with a family to stay with, are also often treated with little to no respect. In certain cases, their pension is taken away and their health is not looked after.
The elderly people also have needs that are most often not met such as sufficient food, clothing, decent housing conditions etc, alongside an income that covers their basic needs.
There is also a lack of love, attention and communication with family or other people which drives them to assume that they are a burden to society and that negatively affects their mental health. The hefty medical expenses also leave them with a financial problem and hence they do not receive adequate medical treatment.
Studies reveal that there is a lack of knowledge about the rights of senior citizens, especially the ones that are made to live in inhumane conditions. The government has taken various steps to address the various issues faced by senior citizens. One of them is the setting up of a National helpline – Elder Line (14567). On October 1, 2021, on the occasion of International Day for Older Persons, Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated ‘Elder Line’ a helpline number, to provide free information, and guidance on pension, medical and legal assistance, besides giving emotional support, intervene in cases of abuse and rescue homeless elderly across the country. “As many as 79,051 serviceable calls have been received by the helpline number. Among 79,051 calls, 4,748 calls related to elder abuse, 2,040 calls related to old age homes and 1,856 calls related to emotional support between 1 October 2021 to May 2022,” says official data from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Elderly people generally hesitate to share and talk about their own children or family members which leads to under-reporting of cases of abuse against them.
There is a need for spreading awareness about the rights of Senior citizens in this country. Because Rights don’t Get Old.
Referrals:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/The-ugly-truth-about-old-age-in-India/article14423922.ece