Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Mar 14: The heart-wrenching incident at Kulshekar serves as an eye-opener to everyone, raising concerns about the safety of senior citizens.

It's unfortunate that an 87-year-old elderly individual was beaten by his daughter-in-law, leaving him seriously injured, as his son works abroad.

There are numerous instances where senior citizens are harassed and abused by their family members, highlighting the need for preventive measures from concerned departments.

In 2023, then-police commissioner Kuldeep Jain received a complaint during a phone-in program from Vamanjoor, where senior citizens raised safety concerns. Subsequently, in August 2023, the police commissioner initiated a drive where four teams were formed in each police station to visit households with senior citizens and address their safety issues.

Some senior citizens live in isolation, as their children prefer to stay away from them, posing a risk of potential robberies. Proper measures need to be taken, including counselling, visits from health officials, and regular checks on their well-being.

Recently, a couple of senior citizens were tragically charred to death while alone at home, with no one aware of their situation.

Secretary of the Mangaluru Senior Citizens Association, Shashidhar, stated, "The police stations have taken the initiative to identify households where senior citizens reside and conduct regular visits. This practice should be maintained consistently. Unfortunately, we also encounter instances where senior citizens are isolated. As an association, we offer guidance and suggestions for improved living conditions. It is distressing that unreported deaths among isolated seniors are not uncommon. As individuals age, they may experience neglect from society."

Founder of White Doves, Corrine Rasquinha, said, "There are numerous cases of elderly individuals being mistreated by their families. Concerned departments should establish a registration system or a dedicated cell for individuals above 70 to raise awareness and address their issues effectively. Many elderly individuals end up destitute, abandoned by their families and forced onto the streets."

The government should consider establishing day-care centers for the elderly, especially when their children are at work, to alleviate the burden on families and reduce the likelihood of abuse.

It is crucial to raise awareness about the safety of senior citizens, and concerned officials should maintain a registration of elderly individuals to address their problems effectively.