Aug 09, 2024
OLD AGE-ABANDONMENT OF ELDERLY IN INDIA
The growing issue of elderly abandonment in India presents significant social justice challenges, highlighting the need for equitable treatment and protection of vulnerable populations. From a social justice perspective, this problem can be analyzed through the lenses of rights, equality, and access to resources and support.
Fundamental Rights and Dignity
1. Right to Care and Protection:
Every individual, regardless of age, has the right to live with dignity and receive necessary care. The abandonment of elderly individuals often results in the denial of basic needs such as shelter, healthcare, and emotional support, violating their fundamental rights.
2. Human Dignity:
The experience of being abandoned can deeply affect an individual’s sense of worth and dignity. Elderly people who are neglected or cast aside face not only physical hardships but also psychological trauma, including feelings of isolation, rejection, and worthlessness. Ensuring their dignity is a core principle of social justice.
Equality and Non-Discrimination
1. Age Discrimination:
The abandonment and mistreatment of the elderly highlight issues of ageism, where older individuals are marginalized and their needs are overlooked. This discrimination often stems from societal attitudes that prioritize youth and productivity over age and experience.
2. Gender Disparities:
Women, who often live longer than men, are disproportionately affected by abandonment. They are more likely to be financially dependent and less likely to have legal rights or property ownership, making them particularly vulnerable to neglect and abuse. Additionally, caregiving responsibilities traditionally fall on women, who may themselves face abandonment as they age.
Access to Resources and Support
1. Economic Injustice:
Many elderly individuals lack access to financial resources, such as pensions or savings, making them dependent on family members for support. Economic disparities exacerbate their vulnerability, as they may not have the means to secure their own care or legal representation.
2. Healthcare Access:
The elderly often have increased healthcare needs, yet access to affordable and quality healthcare remains a significant challenge. This lack of access can lead to untreated medical conditions, further diminishing their quality of life and increasing their dependence on others.
3. Legal and Institutional Support:
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act of 2007 provides a legal framework for ensuring the care of elderly parents by their children. However, many elderly are unaware of their rights or are reluctant to pursue legal action due to cultural norms and fear of family estrangement. Moreover, institutional support, such as state-run shelters and healthcare services, is often inadequate or inaccessible.
Structural and Societal Changes
1. Urbanization and Migration:
The shift towards urban living and migration for employment has disrupted traditional family structures, leading to fewer opportunities for intergenerational cohabitation and care. This demographic transition often leaves the elderly isolated, without a support network.
2. Cultural Shifts:
The erosion of traditional values that emphasized familial duty and respect for elders is a critical factor. As societies modernize, there is often a decline in the social norms that once ensured the well-being of older adults. This cultural shift can lead to a lack of societal and familial accountability in caring for the elderly.
Call to Action
1. Strengthening Social Safety Nets:
To address these injustices, it is crucial to strengthen social safety nets, including pensions, healthcare, and housing. Ensuring that all elderly individuals have access to these basic needs is a fundamental aspect of social justice.
2. Raising Awareness and Advocacy:
Increasing awareness about the rights of the elderly and promoting intergenerational solidarity are essential steps in combating ageism and abandonment. Advocacy efforts should focus on reinforcing the legal and moral obligations of family members and society at large.
3. Enhanced Legal Frameworks and Enforcement:
While existing laws provide some protection, there is a need for stricter enforcement and expansion of legal frameworks to safeguard the rights of the elderly. This includes easier access to legal recourse and support systems for those who have been abandoned.
Conclusion: The abandonment of elderly individuals in India is not only a societal problem but also a social justice issue that calls for comprehensive and compassionate solutions. By addressing the root causes of this phenomenon and ensuring equitable treatment for all, society can work towards a future where the elderly are respected, cared for, and valued.
SRIRAM’s
