World Elder Abuse Awareness Day:
On the eve of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD – 15th June), the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry has released a report on the state of Elderly People in India.
- The report was based on a survey conducted by a Non-Governmental Organisation across 22 cities.
- WEAAD occurs every year on 15th June.
- It was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 66/127 in 2011.
- Theme for 2022: Digital Equity for All Ages.
- Aim:
- To raise awareness about the plight of elderly people who are abused and harmed.
- The primary goal is to develop a better understanding of elder abuse and neglect by raising awareness about the cultural, social, economic, and demographic factors that influence such abuse and neglect.
Highlights of the Report:
- India has shown that 47% of elderly people are economically dependent on their families for income and 34% relied on pensions and cash transfers, while 40% of the surveyed people have expressed a desire to work “as long as possible”.
- 71% of senior citizens were not working, while 36% were willing to work and 40% wanted to work “as long as possible”.
- As much as 30% of the elders were willing to volunteer their time for various social causes.
- 87% elders reported there is availability of healthcare facilities nearby, however 78% elders mentioned unavailability of app-based online healthcare facilities and a significant 67% elderly reported they do not have any health insurance at this critical stage in their lives and only 13% are covered under government insurance schemes.
- 59% of elders felt that elder abuse was “prevalent” in society, but 10% reported being victims themselves.
