Elder Abuse - A Curse

Elder Abuse - A Curse

( by Ishika Bansal )

In today's world, the abuse of elderly adults is very rampant which regularly happen in their homes and even in caretaking capacities which are expected to take good care of them but instead they're bullied. Elder people are abused verbally, physically, mentally, and economically. Some of the issues they face in society are as under:- 

• Family Problems:- 

Elder people despite being living with their family feel isolated because they are not given importance by other family members. They are usually not asked about their views over any family discussion and they often feel ignored. Their grandchildren and children don't spend time with them and if elderly people talk to them, they behave rudely. If their children are far away they do not come to meet them regularly. Most often arguments happen with daughter in law over the basic household things. The son may take the side of his wife leaving his mother which is very hurting. They are generally not asked for their choices and timing of the meal but instead, they're given the meal according to their children's time. Due to certain reasons, they feel neglected even after living with their family. 

• Social Problems:- 

Elderly people are looked upon as a burden to the family. Though they have more experience of any work still they are not hired because they aren't as quick as youngsters and so are seen as non-productive beings. They are not taken to ceremonies even if they wish to because their children think that these elderly people are bounding their freedom and also they are not given a proportionate amount of time which can keep them happy and alive. 

• Economic Problem:- 

It has been that elderly person who is economically independent enjoy a better status rather than the ones who are dependent on their children or others. Economic problems are one of the major issues apart from other health problems that elderly people have to face in their older age. If they ask for money from their children, they are often ignored or humiliated. They need money for their own purposes but have to bear the embarrassment which stops them ask for further things. Furthermore, there is always a fear of death and ill treatment in public places, lack of good friends to pour their heart out which kills them mentally, lack of emotional support and many more problems. According to a national level survey, 50% of elders have experienced abuse personally and on the other hand, 83% of elders reported that abusing prevails in our societies. In my opinion, it is a shame to our generation that elders are a part of exploitation and abuse. 

According to the orphanage control board of the social justice department, the number of residents of old age homes increased from 18,057 to 26,728 in 2017-2018. Today’s generation people demand freedom more than their parent’s love and this is the only reason of increasing trend of old age homes in India. But no one wants to understand the fact that whatever they are today is because of their parents and now it is their turn to pay back what they parents did form them in their childhood. Do you guys even realize how painful it is for them to stay in an old age home or to bear the exploitation? It is high that you need to understand that even old age homes aren’t safe for them. You people go and leave them their but they are being exploited even by the care takers. I read in one of the newspaper about a famous old age home wherein the managers and care takers of that old age home used to brainwash their mind against their offspring for the sake of taking their properties in the name of old age home. 

Though we know that elderly people behave in a weird way sometimes, they forget things and that is because of their mental sickness and side effects of their medicines. But we need to be with them at this stage of them. When we were kids even they were busy with their work but still they raised us in the best possible way and whatever we are today is because of their love and support. So why do we leave them when they need us? Is it fair to do this with your parents? Don’t forget one thing what you are doing today with your parents, your children will do the same with you; because they learn what they see. If you want to live a happy and cheerful life in your old age then give one to your parents also.

Disclaimer:-

The opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Light de Literacy and LDL does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.