WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY: Our elders matter to us

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is commemorated on June 15th and is an annual international UN observance day on the same date each year. It is an official United Nations International Day acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. Initially, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (nominated as 15 June), was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) in 2006. Later on, vide its resolution A/RES/66/127 adopted in 2011, the United Nation General Assembly recognised it as a United Nations Day.

Since 2006, people all over the world have honoured this day to raise the visibility of elder abuse by organising events to promote services that can help increase seniors’ safety and well-being. It is the only day in the year when the world is expected to stand up against the abuse and sufferings perpetrated on a number of our elderly associates -- parents and grandparents in particular. It is aimed to provide an occasion for the people to arouse a better perception of abuse and neglect of older persons by cultivating awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. Thus, WEAAD is observed each year to promote a better understanding of the challenge, as also to provide an opportunity to the societies around the world to stand together against the abuse, mistreatment and neglect of older people.

Reliable available statistics world over reveal that:

• Virtually, 1 in 6 persons with age 60 years or above suffered certain type of abuse in society settings.
• Elder abuse is particularly on the rise in various ill managed institutions, such as long-term Elder Care Centres, Nursing Homes and certain other similar establishments with inadequate and/or unqualified supervisory workforce.
• Elders indeed faced worst kind of abuse, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Elder abuse is expected to multiply, as various countries experience rapid growth in aging population. World population aged 60 and older is expected to be more than double from 900 million in 2015 to nearly 2 billion in 2050.

Likewise, India-specific data on the subject unveil that as per Census 2011, the total population of Senior Citizens (people aged 60 years and above) is 10.38 crore, of which the population of males and females are 5.11 crore and 5.27 crore respectively. The share of senior citizens in the total population as per Census 2011 is 8.57%. Again as per the May 2006 Report of the “Technical Group on Population Projections”, constituted by the National Commission on Population, published by the Office of the Registrar General of India, the share senior citizens in the total population is expected to increase to 12.40% in 2026. Indeed, with a visible global trend of growing population of elderly people, owing to increase in longevity on account of improved medical facilities and other positive developments, abuse of the elderly is a snowballing and grave dilemma that not only affects health but violates human rights of this category of human race. Hence, it is imperative to foster awareness of it with a view to prevent it whenever and wherever feasible to the possible extent.

Elder abuse is a single or repeated act, or failure to act, within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which results in harm or distress to an older person. It is not limited to physical violence, but encompasses emotional, financial and psychological blackmail. All types of elder abuse/violence including physical, sexual, psychological and emotional abuse; financial and material abuse; abandonment; neglect; and serious denial of dignity and respect, is certainly a violation of human rights. Elderly people are human and deserve the same dignity and respect as people of all other age groups.

Elderly people are mostly at a risk of being abused and generally unable to defend themselves or get help, as fear and infirmity can be major barriers to seeking or getting such help. In particular, elderly people with inadequate earnings, mainly those belonging to rural areas are quite susceptible, with many of them experiencing, prejudice, and health problems. They sporadically suffer ill-treatment which is detrimental to them. At times, spotting and challenging abuse in the elderly is not easy; some are isolated having outlived family and friends. Similarly, elders are abused in institutions where abuse is not spotted or is covered up, and in some cases the elderly are not given due attention by authorities in abuse matters.

While there is no singular definition for elder abuse — some are based on age, vulnerability, or determined by state statutes or tribal codes. However, the Elder Justice Roadmap — a document developed by the US Department of Justice with support from the Department of Health and Human Services -- offers one definition, which states; “Elder abuse is —

• Physical, sexual, or psychological abuse, as well as neglect, abandonment, and financial exploitation of an older person by another person or entity,
• That occurs in any setting (e.g., home, community, or facility),
• Either in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust and/or when an older person is targeted based on age or disability.”

Elder abuse is a problem that exists in both developing and developed countries yet is typically underreported globally. Although the extent of elder mistreatment is unknown, its social and moral significance is obvious. As such, it demands a global multifaceted response, one which focuses on protecting the rights of older persons. Unfortunately, abuse occurs in every demographic and can happen to any older adult — a family member, a neighbour, even you. Older adults without family or friends nearby and people with disabilities, memory problems, or dementia may be more susceptible to abuse.

Maltreatment or exploitation most often affects those who depend on others for help with activities of everyday life — including bathing, dressing, and taking medicine. While cases of elder abuse appear to have been on the rise during the pandemic, it is commonly understood that many cases never come to light. One study has estimated that only one in 24 cases of abuse are reported. It is noted that generally, the adult abuse takes place at the hands of a caregiver including a close relative or other trusted person; a few generic type of abuses are listed and briefly explained below;

1. Physical abuse: It may comprise illness, injury, functional impairment, or death resulting from the deliberate use of violent behaviour; for instance beating, hitting, or any type of hostility.
2. Neglect:Any act which leads to failure to meet an older adult’s basic need; such as food, water, housing, clothing, sanitisation, etc.

iii. Wilful deprivation/Emotional or psychological abuse: It signifies standing in the way of an older adult, the required medication, medical care, shelter, a therapeutic device, or other physical assistance by way of verbal or nonverbal conduct that causes anguish, anxiety, or suffering, involving humiliation, threats, or harassment, and exposing that person to the risk of physical, mental, or emotional harm.

1. Confinement:It includes confining or isolating an elder person, unless so required for medical reasons.
2. Financial abuse: It may comprise uponunlawful, unauthorized, or inappropriate use of money, benefits, property, or assets for the benefit of somebody other than the older adult.

Nevertheless, most common modes of elder abuse may be summed up as; lack of respect and oral abuse, silent behaviour (not talking to them) disregarding their daily necessities disallowing/denying proper food ignoring/denying medical support financial cheating physical and emotional violence. And strangely enough, persons responsible for such abuses include children, other family members, and spouses — as well as staff at nursing homes, assisted living, and other similar facilities.

While many countries have adopted multipronged measures to achieve the goals as envisaged under the U N Charter on the subject; our country, in particular the U T of Jammu and Kashmir seems to lag behind. So far, there is a singular provision in the Maintenance and Welfare of Senior Citizens Act, 2007 in the form of section 24, which stipulates that any person who is having care or protection of any senior citizen intentionally abandons a senior citizen shall be liable for punishment of imprisonment up to three months or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees. Undoubtedly, the provision may prove as a deterrent to many, but much more is required to be done. ‘Elder Justice Roadmap’ – the document cited earlier too in this writ up, identifies certain top priorities critical to understanding and reducing elder abuse and to promoting health, independence, and justice for older adults. These priorities are:

• Awareness: Increase public awareness of elder abuse, a multi-faceted problem that requires a holistic, well-coordinated response in services, education, policy, and research.
• Brain health: Conduct research and enhance focus on cognitive (in) capacity and mental health – critical factors both for victims and perpetrators.
• Caregiving: Provide better support and training for the tens of millions of paid and unpaid caregivers who play a critical role in preventing elder abuse.
• Economics: Quantify the costs of elder abuse, which is an often entwined cost to victims, families and society.
• Resources: Strategically invest more resources in services, education, research, and expanding knowledge to reduce elder abuse.

In concluding the write-up, it may be briefly reiterated that UN mandates the member Nations to recognise the problem of elderly abuse, to create policies that foster respect for elders and provide them very conducive environment to continue to be productive citizens. WEAAD symbolises the one day in the year when the world must vehemently voice its opposition to elder abuse -- a human rights violation -- and take a resolve to initiate effective steps to boost the perception of the self-respect of older persons and their right to live free of scare and force. Among others, the foremost objectives include gathering stakeholders, including Governments, caregivers, and senior citizens, to discuss how to combat elder abuse, increase reporting, and develop elder-friendly policies.

Additionally, the public, the press & media can run events which highlight the danger of elder abuse, what is needed to be done to prevent any act of elder abuse and what to do if it is spotted. Moreover, the Department of Education, the Department of Social Welfare, the Department of Local Bodies and local Newspapers may be well advised to organise a ‘Arts, Essay or Debate Competition/Contest by motivating students of local Colleges/Higher Secondary Schools on the themes like: “Why Should I Care About Elder Abuse?” At the same time, on our part, we can all help prevent violence against older adults by:

• Listening to older adults to comprehend their challenges and provide support.
• Educating yourself and others about how to recognize and report abuse.
• Learning how the signs of abuse differ from the normal aging process.
• Calling in on older adults who may have few friends and family members.
• Encouraging or assisting persons (caregivers or older adults) who have problems with drugs or alcohol in getting help.

 Last but not least, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of older persons, ensuring that no elder person is deprived of self-respecting and comfortable old age. Simultaneously, it may be important to underline that if you are experiencing elder abuse or you notice someone (an elderly person) facing elder abuse; immediately call “14567” (Elderline) -- a dedicated Toll-Free number or the local Police. Association for Welfare of Senior Citizens Jammu would also be ready to extend helping hand to Senior Citizens facing abuse to the possible extent as and when any such instance comes/is brought to its notice. Nonetheless, there is need to have a ‘Community Legal Service’ that can represent older people experiencing elder abuse in particular.

Virender Kumar Gupta, Former JKAS Officer, presently President Association for Welfare of Senior Citizens Jammu (a registered NGO -- pioneer in the service of Senior Citizens in Jammu & Kashmir).