Our entire life, we spend loads of time making great memories and unforgettable moments. Somewhere in this fast paced life, we forget our greatest support. Our Elder Generation. It is because of the elderly, many families have Legacy, Heirloom, Traditions, Rituals, Customs that have been passed down from generation to generation. A good moral Values session, a tale from the favourite character of the religious books, a nostalgic walk down the memory lane to thank for what we are today- It's all because of the elders around us. Unfortunately, not all elders are blessed with everything in their ripe age and are often subjected to humiliation, neglect and ostracization too at times. The epidemic too has posed serious challenges to the elderly population across the globe as they are the most vulnerable to Covid 19.
Our Country has a huge segment in the elderly population and due to lack of proper health care available, elderly people are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection due to their decreased immunity and body reserves, as well as multiple associated pre-existing ailments like diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Co Morbid population are at greater risk. As stated by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, “beyond its immediate health impact, the pandemic is putting older people at greater risk of poverty, discrimination and isolation.” The elderly population is denied the routine care of other health issues unrelated to covid 19 due to the shortages of medical facilities. During medical emergencies, a younger person is given more preference than the elderly patients. Each life is precious.
The spread of COVID-19 in crowded care homes, old age homes and institutions has taken many older people’s lives, with distressing reports indicating instances of neglect or mistreatment. Older persons who are quarantined or locked down with family members or caregivers may also face higher risks of violence, abuse, and neglect. Older persons living in precarious conditions – such as refugee camps, informal settlements and prisons – are particularly at risk, due to overcrowded conditions, limited access to health services, water and sanitation facilities, as well as potential challenges accessing humanitarian support and assistance. The scope of employment of elderly people in this pandemic is decreasing and pushing them towards poverty.
The epidemic has added an extra burden to the existing problems. Abuse of elderly people is a problem worldwide, but usually it goes unreported. "Abuse can be verbal, physical and emotional. It can be neglect, disrespect and abandonment." The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and the Political Declaration adopted at the Second World Assembly on Ageing in April 2002 is the first significant step towards the recognition of rights of elderly and their right against any kind of abuse in their ripe age.
India in 2007 enacted the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, for the maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens to protect their rights guaranteed and recognized under the Constitution. The Act has its own drawbacks, apart from its patchy implementation. It provides for maintenance of elderly with children or property. The financial status of the children is overlooked in this Act. The main challenge is the lack of awareness among the elderly about this legislation. Most of the times even though being in despair and banished by their children, they are reluctant to take any stringent action against their children for the sufferings inflicted. To some extent the judiciary has come forward to fill up this gap. The Delhi High court has passed a remarkable judgement in Sunny Paul & Anr. Vs State NCT OF Delhi 2017 SCC OnLine Del 7451 allowing the eviction of adults who live in their parents' house and abusing their elderly parents.