Kal, Aaj Aur Kal (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow): Reflections on Abuse and Exclusion of Elderly in India

Abstract

Elderly abuse and exclusion is becoming a critical social concern and problem. However, it went unnoticed from the public view since it was considered mostly a very personal family-related matter. Usually elderly abuse occurs with little recognition or response. Even today, elderly abuse continues to be a taboo, mostly unreported and ignored by societies across the world. However, in past one decade elderly abuse and exclusion has emerged as an important social problem and public health issue.

Elderly abuse can lead to physical injuries – ranging from minor scratches and bruises to broken bones and head injuries leading to lasting disabilities – and serious, sometimes long lasting, psychological consequences, including depression and anxiety. Globally, it is predicted that by the year 2025, the global population of people aged 60 years and older will more than double, from 542 million in 1995 to about 1.2 billion.

The abuse and exclusion of elderly people in India has risen drastically as per a survey conducted by HelpAge India, a non-governmental organisation which fights isolation, poverty and neglect of the elderly. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 has also been enacted to check elderly abuse in India. This paper is based on secondary data and reflects various issues related to elderly abuse and exclusion.