59% Sons Abuse the Elderly Physically, Mentally and Verbally: HelpAge India

Agewell Foundation, India, a non-government organization conducted a survey on abuse of India’s elderly population and reported that 25-30% of elders are abused verbally, sexually or physically. Geriatric specialist Dr. V.S. Natarajan //recently wrote to the state government to create awareness among the public to check and prevent elder abuse. "Previously a lot of elderly patients came to us with medical problems. Now, they come to us with both medical and social problems. They are affected psychologically too," he said.

Another study by HelpAge India 2014 shows that, contrary to popular belief that daughters-in-law are the one who abuse elders, nearly 59% of sons emerged as top abusers.

Over 41% of elders deal with verbal abuse every day. Experts say that those who have no income at all go through a lot of abuse. "Their children think that they are a waste of space and time. Those who have chronic ailments are also abused," said Dr Natarajan.

He added that there has been a change in the attitude of youngsters over the past 10 years. They have come to think of elders as a burden and personal happiness is more important than family.

"Around 2-3% of elders move out of their house voluntarily. However, a majority of them move out because they face physical, verbal and mental abuse," said Dr Natarajan.

Psychologists say while elders can often be eccentric and demanding, youngsters need to understand that this will just be a phase and elders will eventually understand to adjust according to the needs of others living with them.

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Source-Medindia