New Delhi: Mistreatment or misbehaviour is the most common form of abuse faced by the elderly in India, according to a recent study.
The Agewell Foundation, which works for the welfare and empowerment of the elderly, said that out of 28,295 affected elderly respondents, 10,452 (36.94 per cent) ranked mistreatment as the most common form of abuse.
As many as 6,204 affected respondents (21.78 per cent) said restrictions in their social life by family members or others was the second common form of abuse faced by them.
Of the total 50,000 elderly persons interviewed during the survey, as many as 28,295 (56.6 per cent) said that they face harassment over house or land property, even though many of them are the owners of their properties.
The study found that 34.3 per cent had no access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport facility and 81.03 per cent do not find road transport facilities elderly friendly, according to the study.
Overall 74.2 per cent elderly people accepted that they are getting proper food in old age, while almost every fourth person (25.8 per cent) is reportedly not getting proper food.
“Ironically, in India older generations are not aware of their human rights due to high prevalence of illiteracy and lack of awareness.
“Due to comparatively high physical as well as psychological vulnerability their cries for help remain within four-walls, that’s why only a few cases of violation of human rights of elderly come out,” said Himanshu Rath, Founder Chairman of Agewell foundation.
Indian population has approximately tripled during the last 50 years, but the number of elderly Indians (60+) has increased more than four-fold.
The 2011 Census has shown that the elderly population (60+) of India accounted for 98.3 million, which was projected to cross the 100 million mark during the same year.
