Loneliness, neglect haunt senior citizens in Chandigarh
According to a report published by HelpAge India in June, 45 of 218 elders (20.6%) surveyed in Chandigarh have faced abuse of some form from their families.
Even as Chandigarh residents take pride in being a quaint and cozy town, a large number of cases of neglect of senior citizens have come to the fore. According to a report published by HelpAge India in June, 45 of 218 elders (20.6%) surveyed in Chandigarh have faced abuse of some form from their families.
The city has around 68,000 senior citizens, of around 10.55 lakh population (2011 census). And this number is increasing every year.
Raise awareness about govt schemes
According to RK Garg, founding president of the Second Innings Association, there are many schemes which provide an allowance to the senior citizens, however more needs to be done to raise awareness. Only about 10,500 senior citizens in the city claim compensation from these schemes.
Talking about what can be done to empower the elders, he said, “A special police station for senior citizens must be set up to address their problems. There’s a need to maintain a list of all the senior citizens who live alone and they should be reached out to regularly.”
He added that along with the family welfare committee, a special segment must be attached for the senior citizens.
They can help streamline the judicial process for many of the senior citizens, who are hassled by the long process that the courts follow.
‘Sensitise youth’
Captain GS Ghuman (retd), vice-president of Chandigarh Senior Citizens Association, said, “Loneliness is a major issue. The younger generation’s respect towards elders is decreasing. We must sensitise them to be more appreciative of our struggles,” he said.
He said the elderly should feel confident about coming forward regarding abuse by their children.