Mumbai: Survey reveals shocking details on treatment of seniors

Senior citizen

Recent cases of senior citizens being abandoned or taken advantage of has once again shed light on the status of the older generation in our society. Over time, several studies have been conducted to determine the issues faced by the elderly and to understand the demographic, social and economic conditions as well as the health needs of this strata of the society, but very little about the real picture has been highlighted.

No silver lining: The survey also highlights that many among the elderly work out of necessity and often take up unskilled and low-paying jobs. These jobs offer no pension or retirement facilities, which worsens their plight

A recent survey supported by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has highlighted the status of the elderly in seven different states of the country - Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Orissa, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal - all with a high percentage of population in the age group of 60 years and above compared to the national average. The sample size of each state was fixed at 1,280 and altogether 9,852 elderly were interviewed from rural and urban areas.

According to the stats, work participation rate among the elderly males in the country is as high as 39 per cent while that of women is 11 per cent. Majority of the workers are in the 60-69 age group and the work participation among those above 80 years of age is 13 per cent among men and 3 per cent among women.

Almost 71 per cent of the elderly work due to economical necessity and not by choice. "Since many are working out of necessity, the study highlighted the unskilled and low paid nature of jobs that the elderly are engaged in. Therefore pension or retirement facilities are not available to a large majority so they once again become helpless," said professor Siva Raju, dean of the School of Development Studies, TISS. He also added that in many cases the elderly women end up taking care of their family while other members are working therefore they have no financial independence.

Women bear the brunt
While family has traditionally been the primary source of support for the elderly, what is shocking is that about one in 10 elderly women live alone. "The study highlights the vast difference in the social as well as economic status of elderly men and women. Most women are also unaware of the various schemes available and end up living on the edge," added Raju. The findings state that about 80 per cent of the elderly co-reside with their children or other relatives. In addition, about a quarter of all elderly receive money transfers from their non-resident children. Most interviewees added that they prefer living with family or in their own house. Only 0.3 per cent preferred living in old-age homes.

Sadly, one in 10 elderly have reported facing abuse after they turned 60 years of age. Abuse is higher in rural areas compared to the urban areas, with verbal abuse the primary form of violence. "We find out that violence was reported highest amongst the elderly in Maharashtra. However, further investigation showed that this might be because of the vocal nature of elders in the state compared to other states. There is a high need for support groups as well as social awareness in the society for the benefit of elders, which is currently seen only in Maharashtra," said Raju.

While there are various schemes like the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) and the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme available, a significant number (70 per cent) of the elderly were also aware of the same. "Sadly the utilisation of the same is very low, especially among women. Only 18 per cent elderly belonging to below poverty line are beneficiaries of IGNOAPS. Awareness of the Annapurna scheme is fairly limited (40 per cent) therefore only 3.5 per cent elders have made use of the scheme," said Raju.

In the end, the study highlights the need for social awareness as well as support groups to help the elderly live happily.