JAIPUR: To coincide with the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day observed on June 15, Agewell Foundation conducted a national online survey on the current status of older persons with special focus on impact of second wave of Covid crisis on elderly.
The survey indicated that the second wave and lockdown rules and restrictions have forced majority of the senior citizens to live in critical conditions. Around 69% elderly respondents from the state said cases of abuse had increased during lockdown and after. Among them, 63% claimed that interpersonal relationships is the main factor responsible for fast increasing incidence of elder abuse in families.
The survey was conducted during June and included 500 respondents Rajasthan out of the total 5,000 from across the country. Every third elderly (33%) claimed that they faced domestic violence (physical/verbal) in old age.
Speaking about the initiative, Agewell Foundation chairman Himanshu Rath said, “Covid pandemic has emerged as a major cause of concern for every section of society. People are struggling to protect themselves from Covid and its consequences all over the world. Though Covid situation and related lockdown rules and restrictions have affected almost every human being, older persons are the most vulnerable. There is an urgent need to sensitise the entire community about the growing incidences of elder abuse. Older persons also need to be educated about support systems, legal provisions and non-formal support network, accessible and available to them.”
In all, 79.5% of elderly respondents from Rajasthan claimed that their life had been affected adversely during current Covid situation. During the study it was found that 62% elderly respondents were facing neglect in their life.
Approximately 59% elderly respondents said they were suffering abuse in their families and society.
The survey concluded that that most elderly have to depend on family care, which makes them vulnerable. Incidences of elder abuse, mistreatment, and harassment of elderly occur primarily within their respective families are on rise due to vulnerability of older people. Elderly women are worst affected due to their poor financial status, increased level of dependency and even due to longer lifespan comparatively elderly men.
Agewell Foundation has been working for the welfare and empowerment of old people across the country since 1999.
The survey indicated that the second wave and lockdown rules and restrictions have forced majority of the senior citizens to live in critical conditions. Around 69% elderly respondents from the state said cases of abuse had increased during lockdown and after. Among them, 63% claimed that interpersonal relationships is the main factor responsible for fast increasing incidence of elder abuse in families.
The survey was conducted during June and included 500 respondents Rajasthan out of the total 5,000 from across the country. Every third elderly (33%) claimed that they faced domestic violence (physical/verbal) in old age.
Speaking about the initiative, Agewell Foundation chairman Himanshu Rath said, “Covid pandemic has emerged as a major cause of concern for every section of society. People are struggling to protect themselves from Covid and its consequences all over the world. Though Covid situation and related lockdown rules and restrictions have affected almost every human being, older persons are the most vulnerable. There is an urgent need to sensitise the entire community about the growing incidences of elder abuse. Older persons also need to be educated about support systems, legal provisions and non-formal support network, accessible and available to them.”
In all, 79.5% of elderly respondents from Rajasthan claimed that their life had been affected adversely during current Covid situation. During the study it was found that 62% elderly respondents were facing neglect in their life.
Approximately 59% elderly respondents said they were suffering abuse in their families and society.
The survey concluded that that most elderly have to depend on family care, which makes them vulnerable. Incidences of elder abuse, mistreatment, and harassment of elderly occur primarily within their respective families are on rise due to vulnerability of older people. Elderly women are worst affected due to their poor financial status, increased level of dependency and even due to longer lifespan comparatively elderly men.
Agewell Foundation has been working for the welfare and empowerment of old people across the country since 1999.
