Reflections on Elder Abuse and Mistreatment in India

Abstract

Elder abuse and mistreatment of older people in Indian society have emerged as a serious concern requiring affirmative and cross-disciplinary responses to combat it. As the population of older persons is growing in the country, so are the incidences of abuse, neglect, mistreatment increasing, and the government, civil society members, and community are taking various steps to address the problem. Recent research indicates that elder abuse is seen as physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, financial abuse or exploitation, neglect, and sexual abuse, and it occurs among all socioeconomic and gender groups of the society, in families, institutions, and community at large. This article reflects on elder abuse as seen through the author’s research and also based on recent surveys conducted by HelpAge India, UNFPA, and other organizations across the country as well as by certain experts. It discusses the issue in different dimensions and perspectives and suggests certain responses to address it keeping in mind the national and international developments in understanding the phenomenon from a research, academic, and practical viewpoint cutting across disciplines.