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HT Chandigarh Readers’ Take: Why it’s urgent that we connect senior citizens to care and safety
Police, RWA and bank support crucial to save the elderly from falling victim to fraud and other crimes, say readers
Religious institutions, police can help
Elderly people need looking after, so police, NGOs and socially active people as well as religious institutions should keep an eye on them by registering their contact numbers and getting details of their relatives. Visits by members of care groups can be a great source of solace for seniors who should also be educated on safety measures such as not divulging their personal details like contact numbers and bank details.
SK Gupta, Mohali
Set up grievance cells
The elderly should be educated on safety measures at regular intervals by banks, resident welfare associations (RWAs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). A special cell should also be set up to sort out their grievances on priority and they should be informed immediately about any suspicious activity on their bank or online accounts. A 24-hour special help desk must also be set up to assist them at banks and government offices. They should also be given special emergency police numbers.
Amanpreet Kaur Bains, Kurali
RWAs should play key role
RWAs need to be involved more in drawing up plans to help elderly persons in their areas and ensure their neighbours and acquaintances keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t fall victims to crimes.
Madan Lally
Police meetings with seniors a must
Police need to be sensitive to the needs of the elderly and help them live with dignity in their twilight age. For this, details of senior citizens in the sectors have to be collected and regular meetings with the police and senior citizens organised. Names of officers and numbers of police stations should also be given to seniors living on their own.
SK Khosla, Chandigarh
Your safety is your responsibility
Senior citizens should be very careful while handling their finances and understand that the desire to make a quick buck through doubtful schemes and promises has to be controlled. Though many seniors live on their own, they should guard against seeking assistance from strangers in operating bank accounts, especially if it involves cash deposit or digital transaction. Physical exploitation of the elderly by their children or domestic help also should be nipped in the bud. Aged parents must not part with their finances and properties during their lifetime. Drawing up a will is a smart move.
Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula
Banks should help
Toll free phone numbers can be provided to assist elderly citizens for online banking transactions as they are not very tech savvy, which is why they fall prey to cyber crimes. RWAs can ask volunteers to help the elderly with electricity bill payment, grocery supplies and medicines. Also neighbours or police should keep an eye on domestic helpers as they tend to exploit elderly who live alone.
Vanjula Kaushik, Mohali
Easy with the cash
More CCTV cameras should be set up in the city in a concerted effort to stop thefts. Other than that people above 60 should ensure they are not out and about on their own and avoid deserted or poorly lit areas after dark. They should have their keys ready before reaching the main entry door when they come back home from an outing. Pepper sprays should be kept handy too and when out shopping the elderly should make sure their wallets and purses are kept concealed and that they do not take out large wads of cash. Locking doors immediately when getting into the cars should be a priority.
Ishita Nara
Set up special police cadre
Police need to be sensitised and trained in taking care of seniors. Creating a special cadre for dealing with the elderly can pay great dividends. It is also very important for policemen to understand how crimes are committed using technology and how these can be detected and dealt with. The roles of Chandigarh administration and Chandigarh civic society are also very significant. There is a need for establishing “day care homes” for old people in every sector . For this a part of the existing community centres can be used for their entertainment and medical care. The emphasis should be on encouraging their creativity so that they don’t degenerate into a state of dementia. Volunteer groups of young people can be set up in all sectors.
Lt Col GS Bedi (retd)
Precautions must
The elderly people should be first taught not to open doors to people they do not know. Chat cameras should be installed at the main gates to enable them to see who is visiting. With this, pictures will be available for incoming/outgoing visitors. Children should stay in regular touch with their old parents.
Arun Goyal, Chandigarh
More surveys
The administration should conduct surveys with NGOs to find out how many elderly citizens live in the city and get more information on their needs. A new helpline number should be started for their help.
Avinash Goyal, Chandigarh
