Over 71 pc senior citizens in India victims of abuse by family members: Survey

More than 71 per cent of senior citizens in India face harassment or humiliation by their own family members, relatives or children, a study has revealed.

"Based on our interactions with elderly people, it has been found that more than 71 per cent elderly...are being humiliated by their family members, relatives and others unknowingly, rather unintentionally," Agewell Foundation, an NGO working for the rights of the elderly, said in its note released ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.

As per the survey, every second senior citizen is being "harassed or mistreated or humiliated by their own family members, children, relatives or others".

The note is based on interactions with senior citizens across the country through its nationwide network of volunteers, the NGO said.

Speaking on the issue, Himanshu Rath, Chairman, Agewell Foundation said, "Old age is an inevitable part of our life. We all will become old one day. We will be better prepared for our old age if we interact with elderly and understand their problems. At the same time there is an urgent need to create greater awareness in the society about needs and rights of older persons."