Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam   

A disturbing trend indeed

VISAKHAPATNAM: With the life expectancy on the rise, India’s population of the elderly is steadily increasing. But, erosion of moral and human values, as a sequel to the collapse of the joint family system, has set in a trend, which is thus far considered a problem facing Western countries.

Considered alien in their own homes and unwanted by their kith and kin, an increasing number of elderly persons, notwithstanding the infirmities of the age, are forced to take refuge in old-age homes. Over half a dozen shelters in the city bear testimony to the scourge.

Most of those living in these homes have either bowed down to the circumstances or abandoned on the road by their near and dear ones. With no other option, they reach the old-age homes as a last resort.

Says secretary of Prema Samajam, a non-profit institution running an old-age home: “There is an increasing trend in the society wherein children do not want to take care of their dependent parents. It has become common for elderly persons from even the middle and upper classes to move into paid old-age homes.”

“I gave a good amount (more than Rs.1 lakh) of money to my sons after my retirement. However, they did not treat me well. I felt unwanted in my own home, and here I am sharing this home with strangers who are my world today,” rues S. Sreeram Murthy, a member of the Prema Samajam. Approach any member of the old-age home, they have a tale of woe to narrate.

The Registrar General of India has forecast that older persons (aged 60 years and above) will account for 12.4 per cent by 2026.

To protect the rights of the elderly, the Central Government enacted a law in December 2007, which empowered them to proceed against their children legally if they do not treat them well.

However, a majority of the aged persons, most of whom are magnanimous in not preferring a legal recourse, still insist that it is the moral duty of their children to help them lead a peaceful life in their twilight years.

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