As many as 25 per cent to 30 per cent of elderly persons in India are victims of abuse, mistreatment and even torture, according to a recent informal study.
The survey "Elder Abuse of Older Persons in India," was conducted by NGO Agewell Foundation after holding conversations with 1000 old people.
It says only about only 5 per cent of the older people who were facing elder abuse, mistreatment or torture actually went ahead and complained to the police or any other authorities.
"The reasons for the elderly not coming out and complaining are many," Himanshu Rath of Agewell Foundation says.
"One of the most common reasons is the old person's fear of losing family members or support. He or she fears that reporting the crime will result in tension and stress in old age, as the abuser may discontinue relations once accused, charged, or convicted."
As for the psychological aspect of it all, Rath says, "People hate loneliness, alienation and marginalisation in old age. That's why they prefer to keep mum and keep suffering abuse and mistreatment.
