Together For Elder Care

In a society that once revered its elders, a disturbing trend has emerged: the abandonment and neglect of parents by their own children. These are the same parents who sacrificed their youth, health, and dreams to nurture and raise their offspring. Yet, in their twilight years, many find themselves forsaken, left to grapple with loneliness, ill-health, and emotional trauma.

Alarming Statistics:

1. 70% of Indian seniors experience some form of abandonment by their children, translating to over 84 million elderly individuals living in neglect and isolation.
2. 44.6% prevalence of elder abuse, with a higher incidence in rural areas.
3. Over ₹50 crore lost by 184 senior citizens in Thiruvananthapuram due to cyber frauds over the past 34 months, highlighting their vulnerability.
4. 10% of cybercrime victims in Andhra Pradesh are elderly, often targeted due to their trusting nature and limited digital literacy.
5. 5.2% of older adults have experienced abuse within the household, with women and those living alone being at higher risk.

These figures are not mere statistics; they represent real lives; mothers, fathers, grandfathers, and grandmothers; who have been cast aside by the very ones they nurtured.

The Silent Suffering

Imagine the pain of a mother who, after years of selfless care, is now left to fend for herself in a world that has moved on. Picture an elderly man, once the pillar of his family, now struggling to make ends meet without the support of his children. These are not isolated incidents but a growing epidemic that demands our immediate attention.

Call to Action

We cannot stand idly by while our elders suffer. It is time to rekindle the values of respect, love, and care that once defined our relationships with our parents. Here's how you can make a difference:

1. Visit and Support: Regularly visit elderly relatives and neighbors. Your presence can alleviate their loneliness and provide them with the emotional support they desperately need.
2. Report Abuse: If you witness or suspect elder abuse, report it immediately to local authorities or organizations dedicated to senior citizens' welfare.
3. Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to NGOs and community centers that care for abandoned or neglected elders.
4. Educate: Raise awareness about elder rights and the importance of family support through social media, community programs, and educational institutions.
5. Advocate: Support policies and initiatives that ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of our elderly population.

Our elders are the living repositories of our history, culture, and values. Abandoning them is not just a personal failure but a societal one. Let us come together to ensure that they spend their golden years with the respect and care they deserve. Remember, the love and care we extend to them today will be the legacy we leave for future generations.