44% of senior citizens have faced abuse in public spaces: report

A nationwide report released in the city on Wednesday points out that nearly one out of every two elders or 44% of senior citizens have faced abuse in public spaces at one time or the other.

The report titled ‘How India treats its elderly,’ brought out by HelpAge India, was released by Rupak Kumar Dutta, DG&IGP, at his office. The report is based on a survey of 4,600 senior citizens across 19 tier I, tier II and tier III cities.

Being slow, appearance and the fact that they are no longer fit to do any work are some of the main causes of abuse of elders by people, the report says. It makes a comparison between the way government hospitals and private hospitals treat elders. It is found that 70% of the elders prefer private hospitals to government facilities. Delhi stands first in this category as 26% of the elders there feel vulnerable in government hospitals rather than private hospitals, followed by Bengaluru with a score of 22%. As much as 89% of the elders fear stepping out of their homes due to the rash driving by motorists and 38% of them fear going out due to the fear of accidents.

Students from St Joseph’s College, Charan PU College and NCC cadets took part in the programme. Dutta advised the youngsters to help and look after senior citizens. Rekha Murthy, deputy director and state head, HelpAge India, told students, “Small moves such as offering seats to senior citizens in buses and letting them ahead in long queues will make a difference,” she said. A signature campaign ‘stop ageism’ against discrimination of elders was launched at the event.