By Himanshu Rath
Today, there is an urgent need to raise awareness and advocate for strengthening the human rights of older people.
Elder abuse is a growing global issue that poses a significant threat to the rights and well-being of older people worldwide. Often hidden from public view, this form of abuse encompasses a range of harmful behaviors, from physical and emotional abuse to financial exploitation and neglect. The increasing global aging population has made elder abuse a critical human rights and public health concern. While older people are generally perceived as vulnerable members of society, many suffer from neglect and exploitation, leading to severe consequences.
Global scenario of elder abuse
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), elder abuse is defined as a single or repeated act, or the failure to take appropriate action, that results in harm or distress to an older person. It is a global phenomenon that affects millions of older people. WHO estimates that one in six older adults worldwide experience some form of elder abuse, but this figure may be underreported due to social, cultural, and systemic factors that hinder older people from speaking out.
Elder abuse does not discriminate based on geography, culture, or socioeconomic status, though it may manifest differently across regions. In developed countries, awareness campaigns, legal frameworks, and support systems are beginning to address the problem. However, in developing nations, such as many parts of South Asia, the lack of robust systems, coupled with social and cultural barriers, exacerbates the issue, making it difficult to assess the true scale of the problem.
Elder abuse in South Asia
South Asia, a region comprising countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, is particularly affected by elder abuse. The region's rapidly aging population, alongside increasing urbanization and shifting family dynamics, has left older persons increasingly vulnerable to abuse and neglect. The elderly population in India, for example, exceeds 155 million, with projections estimating that this number will rise to 300 million by 2050. Yet, due to a lack of comprehensive data and the social taboos surrounding elder abuse, it is difficult to fully understand the prevalence of the issue.
Several factors contribute to the widespread abuse of the elderly in South Asia. Cultural norms and values that once emphasized respect and care for the elderly have begun to erode as family structures change. The decline of traditional joint family systems, driven by economic pressures and urban migration, often isolates older persons, making them susceptible to neglect and
mistreatment.
In addition, many elderly people in South Asia live in poverty, with limited access to healthcare and social services. The dependency on children and caregivers for financial support can lead to financial exploitation, where older people are manipulated or coerced into giving up their assets. Gender inequality also plays a significant role, as elderly women are particularly vulnerable to abuse. Often, they outlive their male counterparts and, due to patriarchal societal structures, are left isolated and economically dependent on their families, making them more likely to suffer neglect, exploitation, and emotional abuse.
Common forms of elder abuse in South Asia
Elder abuse in South Asia takes several forms, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse, as well as neglect:
Consequences of elder abuse
Elder abuse can have devastating consequences, physically, emotionally, and financially. Physical injuries can range from bruises and fractures to life-threatening conditions, and neglect can result in malnutrition, dehydration, or untreated medical conditions that shorten an elderly person's life expectancy. Emotionally, elder abuse can lead to depression, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self-worth. This emotional toll can also lead to social isolation, as victims may withdraw from family and friends due to fear, shame, or embarrassment. Financial exploitation leaves the elderly destitute and unable to support themselves. In many cases, it forces them into poverty or dependence on others for care, further exacerbating their vulnerability.
Elderly women: A more vulnerable group
In South Asia, elderly women face particular challenges. Gender-based discrimination and societal norms place them at higher risk for abuse than elderly men. Women often live longer than men, making them more likely to experience neglect and isolation as they age. Additionally, economic dependence on family members, coupled with the lack of social safety nets, increases the likelihood of financial exploitation and emotional abuse.
Preventing elder abuse and protecting human rights
To combat elder abuse and protect the human rights of older persons, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Raising awareness through public education campaigns can help communities identify the signs of abuse and understand the importance of respecting and caring for the elderly. Legal frameworks need to be strengthened, and laws must be more effectively enforced to hold abusers accountable. Ensuring access to legal support for victims and creating resources for them to report abuse safely is also crucial.
Social support systems, including senior citizen helplines, community centers, and healthcare services, are essential in preventing abuse. These services help elderly people live independently and with dignity, reducing the risk of neglect. Intergenerational programs that foster positive relationships between younger and older generations can also play an important role. These initiatives promote mutual respect and understanding, which can bridge generational gaps and reduce the likelihood of elder abuse.
Role of intergenerational interaction
Intergenerational programs are instrumental in fostering an elderly-friendly society. By encouraging younger generations to interact with older people, these programs create a sense of community and mutual respect. They help combat the isolation that many elderly people face and provide opportunities for shared experiences and caregiving. Programs such as mentoring, storytelling and collaborative community projects can foster empathy, understanding, and support for older persons.
Global solidarity for elder rights
Organizations like the Agewell Foundation stand in solidarity with over 400 NGOs worldwide in advocating for a UN convention on the rights of older persons. Agewell has actively supported the draft resolution on the human rights of older persons being negotiated in Geneva at the UN Human Rights Council. The foundation calls for governments to adopt such resolutions to ensure that the human rights of older people are protected globally.
Indisputably, elder abuse is a widespread issue that affects millions of older people worldwide, and it requires urgent action. Raising awareness, strengthening legal protections, providing social support systems, and promoting intergenerational solidarity are all essential steps toward preventing elder abuse and protecting the rights of older persons. By fostering an environment of respect, care, and dignity for the elderly, societies can ensure that older people can live their later years with the support, and respect, they need.
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(The author is the founder of Agewell Foundation, a not‐for‐profit organization working for the welfare and empowerment of the elderly in India)
