Elderly Abuse in India

Elder abuse can be defined as a single, or persistent act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within families or relationships where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm to an older person (World Health Organization, 2002). Elder abuse can take various forms such as financial, physical, psychological, and sexual. It can also be the result of voluntary or involuntary neglect. The complexity of elder abuse is often exacerbated by cultural norms and economic pressures, especially in countries like India.

Demographics and Economic Challenges

India has approximately 71 million people aged 65 or over, two-thirds of whom live at or just above the poverty line. As in many developing countries, retired public service workers form the majority of the minority with reasonable pension entitlements. Up to 90 percent of the workforce has no pension coverage or only tightly means-tested coverage that has the character of a benefit of last resort. State governments and union territories have developed their own schemes for old age pensions, and the criteria of eligibility and the amount of pension allocation vary among these states. The percentage of older people who benefit from the old age pension scheme varies across states, from 0.3 percent to 68 percent (HelpAge India, 2014).

Government Initiatives

The National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS) was developed in the 1990s with a focus on the destitute. The national budget allocation for the NOAPS amounts to 0.6 percent compared to 6 percent of central government revenue expended on pensions for its employees. In 1999, the central government started another social security program called the ‘Annapurna Programme’ for older people living in destitution. Under the program, all older persons who are eligible for the NOAPS are given 10 kg rice/wheat monthly, free of cost. The number of beneficiaries is estimated to be 6.6 million (Ministry of Rural Development, 1999).

Gender Disparities in Old Age

A national project titled OASIS (Old Age Social & Income Security, India) was commissioned due to growing concern for old age social and income security, in particular for the 330 million workers in the unorganized sector. According to this project, every young worker can build up enough savings during their working life to serve as a shield against poverty in old age. The need for this arose because of the lack of adequate instruments to enable workers in the unorganized sector to provide for their future old age. Old age poverty is more prevalent among older women than among older men. In most countries, pensions are calculated based on salary and years worked, both of which tend to be lower for women than for men due to the gendered division of paid and unpaid labor (Evandrou & Glaser, 2003). As women live longer than men and spend longer periods living alone in old age, they are more affected by the extra expenses that arise from run-down housing, lack of support from a spouse, increased health-related expenses, and the lack of economies of scale in one-person households.

Physiological and Social Changes

Aging brings about a number of physiological changes. It not only affects a person's appearance but also becomes a cause of physical deterioration. The way a person ages depends on gender, socio-economic determinants, physical environment, personal and behavioral factors, and the availability of health and social services. With improving health care, the average life expectancy in India has increased from 57 years in 1990 to 65 years today. In the next 20 years, India will be home to the world’s second-largest population of elderly people. This presents a significant challenge for both children and the elderly themselves (United Nations Population Division, 2015).

Social Isolation and Abuse

Industrialization, urbanization, education, and exposure to Western lifestyles are bringing changes in social values and lifestyles, thereby weakening family ties. India’s senior citizens often feel vulnerable, lonely, or abandoned. They may have lost a spouse, or their children might have gone abroad, or in cases of abuse, they have been sent out of their homes. Elder abuse tends to take place where the senior lives, most often in the home, where abusers are often adult children, other family members such as grandchildren, or spouses/partners of elders. Elder abuse can also occur in institutional settings, especially long-term care facilities. The elderly are considered a vulnerable group in society due to their weakness and decreased capabilities.

Consequences and Future Trends

Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. It is predicted to increase as many countries experience rapidly aging populations. According to the 2011 census, life expectancy at birth increased to about 65.77 years for males and 67.95 years for females. On one side, the elderly population has increased, but on the other side, society-based support systems have weakened. Based on evidence, the WHO reveals that 60 years and older are subjected to abuse, with 15.7% of people experiencing it (World Health Organization, 2015). These prevalence rates are likely underestimates as many cases of elder abuse are not reported. Globally, the number of people affected is predicted to increase as many countries experience rapidly aging populations. Elder abuse has serious consequences for individuals and society, including serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences, increased risk of nursing home placement, use of emergency services, hospitalization, and death.

References

Evandrou, M., & Glaser, K. (2003). Combining work and family life: The pension penalty of caring. Ageing & Society, 23(5), 583-601.

HelpAge India. (2014). State of elderly in India.

Ministry of Rural Development. (1999). Annapurna Programme.

United Nations Population Division. (2015). World Population Prospects: The 2015 Revision.

World Health Organization. (2002). Missing voices: Views of older persons on elder abuse.

World Health Organization. (2015). World report on ageing and health.