Elder abuse extends beyond home, national survey released

Mangalore Today News Network

June 15, 2017: A dedicated survey has found that elders suffer in silence in public spaces too. Time and again they have stated that they do not like to go out, except when it is absolutely unavoidable. “I don’t like to go out to the bank, post office or market. These places are very crowded and makes me afraid and uncomfortable.” said a male elder above 75 years old.

Research has pointed to a significant amount of elder abuse taking place at home over a variety of reasons, be it property dispute or a perceived financial or emotional burden. However, the 2017 ‘How India Treats its Elderly’ report released by HelpAge India on Wednesday throws light on the fact that the elderly are not free from some kind of abuse in public spaces too.

The report covered 19 cities and 53% of the 4,615 elders interviewed admitted to feeling discriminated against. Furthermore, 61% said people get impatient with them as they are slow, while 52% said people are rude to them if they are not well-dressed.

Sixteen percent of the responders said they have been subjected to rude behaviour from conductors and drivers while using public transport. However, two in three also said they were offered seats regularly.

On service delivery points, a significant proportion of the elders reported rude behaviour from service delivery persons. Post office staff (19%), public hospital staff (12%) and bank staff (13%) were the main offenders.

Many elders also complained of rudeness even at points of commercial transaction, like chemists and vegetable vendors for instance. In fact, 54% of the elders said younger people get priority over them in shops. Mall staff turned out to be top offenders (17%) here.

Some bright spots too : However, the report also had some positive findings. A large proportion of elders said they receive good treatment at private hospitals when compared to public hospitals. In the public space, 65% of the elders were offered seat in bus, 57% received special treatment from bank staff, and 70% got proper attention at hospitals.

Rekha Murthy, deputy director and Karnataka head, HelpAge India, said this was indicative of elders becoming more sensitive and aware of what is abuse, and thus becoming more open to complaining about it.

Director General and Inspector General of Police R.K. Dutta, who released the report, said: “People and organisations working for the betterment of senior citizens should join hands with the police to prevent harassment.”