Nurturing Our Moral Values
The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 66/127, designated 15 June as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)
WEAAD is celebrated each year globally. Contrary to popular belief a part of the global elder populations is facing issues to a large extent and we as mature individuals need to address this growing concern. It can be through an app, a workshop, a forum where elderly people can express themselves and their troubles, or even a simple conversation with an elderly person who might be going through any kind of abuse.
Study about elderly abuse
According to TheJournal of Population Ageing - Elder abuse is a multifaceted public health issue. The aim of this study is to provide a concise overview of elder abuse among adults age 60 and above, at the national and state levels in India. The main objective of this research is to examine the prevalence and determinants of elder abuse in light of the latest available data, with an emphasis on working status of older adults. This study also suggests some strategies to address the problem of elder abuse.
Empathy is key
Dr Samir Parikh, MBBS, DPM, MD (psy), Consultant Psychiatrist, Director-Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis National Mental Health Program, Fortis Healthcare voiced his opinion by saying that, “Just like children have their vulnerability, even the elder population does. They may face neglect, violent abuse, verbal abuse etc. Also, other multiple reasons such as – physical health and limitations, financial reasons, and the aspect of loneliness. Also the inability to go through the limiting functions of life that happens in young adulthood. This is where it becomes extremely important that younger people should realise their responsibility.” He also said that basic empathy is key. It comes down to empathy and if one has empathy as a 20 year old, then how will that person respond to a 5 year old or an 80 year old, would be with positive emotional, compassionate care.
The responsibility of the younger population
He went on to stress on the empathy factor’s necessity by saying that, “If you have empathy, the responsibility will come automatically. Our society needs to create enough security mechanisms from social to emotional and financial, especially when it comes to taking care of our elder population.”
Data from the 2020 Longitudinal Ageing Study in India indicates that although the overall prevalence of elder abuse is relatively low in India (5.22 per cent), wide state-level variations prevail. Women, working older adults (especially working women), those under the age of 70, those with greater household assets, those not in a marital union, those staying in rural areas, and those in poor health have significantly higher chances of abuse than their counterparts. Both wealth and education must reach a critical level to curb abuse.
Economic factors that may have an impact
Differences in economic factors explain only 10 per cent of the gender gap in elder abuse prevalence, is also highlighted. Socio demographic factors alone account for around 29 per cent, and health-related factors contribute to 28 per cent of the gender differential in elder abuse.
Dr Parikh also feels that we need to raise the bar of our awareness, sensitivity, compassion, and do all this remembering the fact that one day we will be old too. We need to create systems where compassionate care and support is a part of our daily lives.
In a nutshell we can conclude that the word empathy – has to become an action and a way of living. The cycle of birth to the older age is something we all have to go through. Hence, feeling that we are doing good karma by looking after our elder population is by itself a motivational aspect to helping people look after the elders.
