Ensure a life of dignity for the aged: The President of India

On eve of International Day of Older Persons, The President of India , Mr. Mukherjee ,expressed concern over the growing Neglect and Abuse of Seniors in the country.

The President of India , Mr. Mukherjee , said: “ I have to confess my deep alarm and dismay in this context over the findings of the 20 city Survey conducted by HelpAge which reveals that One Out of Three Elders have faced abuse. It is even more shocking to learn that those surveyed describe their Sons and Daughters-in-Law as the Primary abusers. Many report such abuse as having continued for more than five years and most do not complain to anyone in order to uphold family honour.”

The President pointed to the Weathering Away of Family Values and expressed hope that the shocking revelations about elderly abuse would serve as a warning.

“We must do everything possible to ensure that our elders can live a Life of Dignity, Enjoying the Best of Medical Attention, Economic Security as well as Emotional Stability. Our culture, history, traditions, religion and philosophy all enjoin us to respect our elders and to fill their lives with abundant love and affection.”

To the nation, with a very large young population, the President’s message included a reminder, “…India is what it is today because of the contributions made by our elders in their youth. If those hands steadied you when you learned to walk, then you need to support them when they need help and hope there will be others who will do the same for you when you grow old.”

“It’s just another phase”

“Society and the government should be sensitized to the fact that old age is just another phase of life with its special needs and characteristics just like Childhood and Youth,”  The President said, adding that efforts should be made to provide Health care and Economic Security to the Aged.

“The real challenges that lie in the Field of Health Security are Accessibility and Affordability of Medical Health Facilities. The elderly require special geriatric care… their medical expenses increases with age whereas their income decreases or remains static. Private hospitals are reluctant to provide concessions to the elderly and insurance companies unwilling to insure the elderly,” The President of India said.