Bengaluru’s senior citizens are treated with misconduct on roads, in parks and other public spaces. Latest statistics show that almost 70 per cent of the city’s elderly are abused as people’s attitude towards them is disrespectful and cruel.
The city’s senior citizens say they are harassed because they find it difficult to fight back. Apart from Bengaluru, public spaces in other southern cities such as Chennai and Hyderabad offer little or no solace to its elderly. In Tamil Nadu’s capital, 64 per cent senior citizens said they were abused while 74 per cent of Hyderabad’s elderly told a similar tale.
This is the latest findings of a survey conducted by HelpAge India. The NGO released its report on the eve of World Elder Abuse Day and evaluated senior citizens’ treatment in the country’s major cities.
The survey highlighted senior citizens’ experience in public transport, banks, post offices, conversations with vegetable vendors, chemists and mall staff. The findings revealed that even brief interactions leave an impression on the elderly.
Almost 38 per cent were scared of accidents in public spaces that could arise due to negligence. The elderly were also scared about the lack of medical help in case of emergencies while 10 per cent were scared of theft, reported The Times of India.
Among the many problems senior citizens face on the roads, 89 per cent said they were threatened by the behaviour of motorists and bikers. 66 per cent said they didn't trust the law and order situation. Even though the elderly like to step out of the homes, 42 per cent said they avoided going out.
HelpAge India CEO Matthew Cherian said, “The findings worry me. Elder abuse is a sensitive topic. Over the past few years we have been studying and researching elder abuse within the closed doors of one's home. This year we decided to move out into the much broader area of public space.”
Among the cities where the elderly are mistreated in public spaces, Bhubaneswar ranks first. The survey found that 92 per cent of the city’s senior citizens found it difficult to navigate through public spaces. However, Delhi ranked low among the 19 cities in which the survey was conducted.