About a month back, in Kolkata, an elderly lady lost Four Lakh rupees from her bank account. She received a call from an unknown number asking her to verify her identity for her bank account, and unfortunately, being unaware, and naïve, she shared her Aadhaar and other details on the phone. This is a true story. This is also, a form of Elder Abuse. In today’s corrupt times, the aged and the vulnerable pay a huge price for their inabilities.
Elder abuse can take many shapes, from physical and emotional abuse to neglect and financial exploitation. Despite cultural norms that traditionally emphasize respect for elders, incidents of abuse against them are rising, with particular concerns surrounding fraud and cybercrime.
Physical abuse, involving acts that cause pain or injury, is unfortunately not uncommon. A check with any of the special cells formed by the police to help seniors reveals hundreds of cases registered by ageing parents against their sons or daughters who have hit them, thrown them out of the house, refused to feed them or give them medicines and many such forms of torture. The elderly, are often labelled by their adult children as ‘demented’ and ‘incapable’ of deciding for themselves or managing their own hard-earned money. Therefore, instead of receiving love and care in the twilight of their lives, they are often subjected to verbal threats, insults, or isolation, which can have severe consequences on an elder’s mental well-being. Neglect, where caregivers fail to provide adequate support or necessities, is a significant issue, leading to malnutrition and poor living conditions.
Financial abuse, perhaps the most insidious, involves scams, theft, or manipulation of an elder’s financial resources. Such exploitation is increasingly linked to the advancing realm of cybercrime. In recent years, rapid digitalization in India has opened new avenues for fraud and cheating against elders, especially through telecommunications. Scammers target vulnerable seniors through various means, including phishing emails, calls from untraceable mobiles, fake investment schemes, and identity theft. The lack of digital literacy among many elders makes them easy prey for online predators seeking financial gain. As more elders become active on social media and online platforms, the risk of falling victim to these ploys continues to grow.
Amidst these concerning trends, safeguarding the well-being of elders is paramount. Family members and caregivers must remain vigilant, regularly checking on their loved ones and monitoring their activities. Education on recognizing signs of abuse and scams is crucial for both elders and their support networks. Encouraging open communication and offering emotional support can also help prevent incidences of abuse.
Elder care organizations like Care Continuum play a vital role in addressing these challenges. By providing specialized care services tailored to the needs of elders, such organizations offer a safe and nurturing environment for seniors. From medical assistance to emotional support and social engagement, these entities contribute to keeping elders healthy and active in their later years. Moreover, the Company staff visit senior members at home to check on their activities as well as guide them on abuse prevention, equipping both elders and their caregivers with the knowledge to detect and combat mistreatment effectively.
The abuse of elders in India, including the growing threat of fraud and cybercrime, is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. By understanding the various forms of ill-treatment, taking steps to protect elders from financial exploitation, and fostering a culture of care and respect, we can strive to create a safer environment for our seniors. Through the collective efforts of families, communities, and organizations like Care Continuum, we can uphold the dignity and well-being of the elderly population in India.