Elderly Abuse in India: Understanding the Contributing Factors and Preventive Strategies

Old age is often crowned with an inevitable series of biological, psychological, andsocial changes that occur over time. This also involves changes in the roles,responsibilities, and social relations, along with other social determinants includingfinancial management, property matters, healthcare, safety, etc. While few householdscherish old age within the family, a considerable number of family members disregardthe elderly by way of ignorance, neglect, and abuse. Changing family structures, lifestylemodification, and shifting demographics are a few factors that have triggered thesituation worldwide.To avert this hidden pandemic, the Government and Non-Government agencies in Indiaare working diligently on public awareness to protect and support the vulnerable elders.Regardless, society is still struggling to understand the consequences of elder abuseincluding but not limited to legal, social, financial, and professional impact on theperpetrators. This paper delves into the complexities of elder abuse in the Indiancontext. It is aimed to examine the contributing factors at individual, family, and societallevels and preventive strategies to address this issue.