Mangalore has the highest percentage of elder abuse: Here is a survey

June 17: A programme was organised by Vishwas Trust to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at Roshni Nilaya in Mangalore on saturday, June 15. Head of Geriatric Medicine Department, Yenepoya Hospital, Dr Prabha Adhikari said while speaking at the programme said that Mangalore has the highest percentage of elder abuse as per HelpAge India’s report, released a year ago. She mentioned that the study had reported 62% of the elderly in Mangalore experienced abuse.
Findings of a survey, conducted on a sample size of 218 elderly persons in nine clusters from different socio-economic strata, revealed that 22% were abused physically by family members or by home nurses or caregivers. A whopping 72% felt abused through disrespect owing to neglect because of technological distraction. About 14% felt psychologically abused. While not all cases of psychological abuse are intentional, 20%-25% felt financially abused. Yelling and shouting is a less frequent form of psychological abuse compared to the silent treatment. Offenders included 48% of sons, 14% of daughters-in-law, 10% spouses and 3% of daughters.
School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya Principal Juliet C J stressed on the importance of strengthening inter-generational bonding. She also observed that children make the elderly feel happier as seen in assisted living centres.
Coordinator of Senior Citizen Helpline Lidwin Lobo said that until Mangalore is elder abuse-free, it is not a Smart City.