74% senior citizens face abuse in Bhubaneswar: Study

BHUBANESWAR: The capital city recorded the second highest number of elderly abuse cases in the country, according to a study conducted in 22 cities.
Chandigarh topped the list with 83.5% elderly people complaining about facing some kind of abuse followed by 74% in Bhubaneswar and 73.5 % in Delhi. More than half — 58.4% — of senior citizens in the country believed elder abuse in any form is prevalent in our society, the study revealed.
It said 57% elders faced disrespect, while a disturbing 38% each faced verbal and physical abuse, including beating and slapping, 37% faced neglect while 24% were victims of economic exploitation.
As many as 16% of elders her admitted to being a victim of abuse. Of the abusers, 36% were relatives, 35% sons and 21% daughter-in-laws. The study said that 47% of the victims stated they stopped talking to family after facing abuse. Around 35% of elders in Bhubaneswar were not aware of any redressal mechanism.
Around 72% feel that their family does not spend enough time with them while close to 10% think that their family does not want to spend time with them. Even though 82% of elders are living with their families, 69% want their family members to spend more time with them. This shows that even after staying with family, a larger percentage of elderly feel lonely, the study conducted by HelpAge India pointed out. Although 78% elders feel involved in family decision-making, 43.1% felt that they are neglected by the younger generations and feel left out, it added.
A whopping 94.5% elders in Bhubaneswar do not have access to smartphones while those who have access, 87% use it primarily for calling, 13.5% for social media and 9% for the camera.
On financial security, 43% elderly feel financially secure in Bhubaneswar while 36% depend on pension and 16% have a source of income. On the other hand 32% elders in the city said expenses are more than savings or income and 45% feel pension was not enough. At least 32% elders in the city were willing to work and 40% of them want to work as long as possible, but don’t know what to do.
“The study has been an eye-opener and it showed glaring gaps in terms of elderly care. The Covid pandemic has worsened the condition and made life more difficult for elders. These gaps need to be closely looked at and addressed,” said Bharati Chakra, state head of the organisation.