June 15 is recognized by the United Nations as ‘World Elder Abuse Awareness Day’ and is
marked world over. According to the UN: “In many parts of the world elder abuse
occurs with little recognition or response. Until recently, this serious social
problem was hidden from the public view and considered mostly a private matter.
Even today, elder abuse continues to be a taboo, mostly underestimated and
ignored by societies across the world. Evidence is accumulating, however, to
indicate that elder abuse is an important public health and societal
problem.”
HelpAge India, which has been front-runner in advocating for elder rights for
the past 44 years, has been voicing concerns on the issue of abuse and ageism
faced by our elderly. Each year HelpAge India marks this day with the release of
a nationwide report to spread awareness and understand the rights and needs of
elderly in India.
The theme of this year’s report is ‘Bridge the Gap’ with focus on understanding
existing gaps in the critical areas of elder healthcare, agecare, income &
employment opportunities, inclusion both social and digital, as well as
harnessing elderly capabilities and reducing dependency, with stress on the need
for systemic interventions.
Elder Helpline, An initiative by HelpAge India
HelpAge runs a Toll-free Elder Helpline across 21 state capitals in India
“It’s a new birth, it’s a new life. I am not an ordinary man anymore. I feel very happy now”