Mumbaikars treat seniors much better than other Indian cities: Survey
The recently released HelpAge India report on abuse of the elderly in Indian cities revealed that out of 23 cities, Mumbai fared much better than most. Compared to Delhi's 33% and Chennai's 27%, only 13% of Mumbai's 218 elders surveyed admitted to being abused. Moreover, 58% of the city's aged don't know if prioritizing smartphones over them can be classified as 'disrespect' by children.
Over 25% of city's seniors couldn't understand what 'abuse' is
The report was released yesterday to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. The survey sampled 5,014 participants countrywide, where 60% respondents emphasized that elder abuse is prevalent, but over 25% of Mumbai's seniors couldn't exactly understand what 'abuse' is. In other cities, elders concluded verbal abuse, negligence, disrespect and economic exploitation are some forms of abuse they have faced.
Reasons for abuse: Parents considered burden, clash of lifestyles
Children exploit their parents at their senile age because they probably want to stay independently, presumed the seniors who have been surveyed. Property dispute is an oft-cited issue that spoils the relationship between parents and their children, noted the survey. Additionally, the elderly are perceived to be a burden. The huge difference in their lifestyles also contributes to the neglect.
Elders being reduced to babysitters, maids?
"Many financially independent elders also own a house and their children live with them. But when they advise their children, it's treated as interference. Moreover, many elders in metros think they are being used for household activities and managing kids," says Prakash Borgaonkar, HelpAge India.
Prioritizing smartphones not 'disrespect', say Mumbai's tech-savvy seniors
Notably, over 60% of respondents regretted the overdependence today's youths have on smartphones and laptops. They said they feel 'disrespected' and 'neglected' when their children and grandchildren give more priority to gadgets. However, Mumbai's tech-savvy seniors don't perceive this as 'disrespect', but acknowledged that social media has indeed shortened "quality time spent by kids with family," though it has brought relatives and friends closer.
Redressal-mechanisms: 21% admitted they took help, most prefer solving internally
The survey also tried to find out whether seniors resorted to redressal mechanisms after being abused. Merely 21% of Mumbai's seniors admitted they did. However, this doesn't mean that they aren't aware of the helplines, police or court, but they prefer to solve issues internally to maintain privacy, said Borgaonkar. Byculla-based NGO Dignity Foundation said cops also don't show interest in domestic feuds.
Living with enemy: Main abusers were either sons or daughters-in-law
Out of all cities, seniors in Mangaluru are treated worst, with 47% of them reporting abuse, followed by Ahmedabad (46%), Bhopal (39%) and Amritsar (35%). Among the five metros, Delhi fared worst, with 33% of the elderly being treated poorly. The survey revealed one-fourth of the elderly population experienced abuse personally, and often the main abusers were either sons (52%) or daughters-in-law (34%).
