Elderly Rights: Dignity in Aging
At Justice League Foundation, our mission has always been to amplify the voices of the unheard.
While we champion child rights and human rights every day, it is vital to also shine a light on a vulnerable yet often forgotten segment of our society – our elderly.
In the twilight years of life, when individuals should be surrounded by care, respect, and compassion, many find themselves isolated, neglected, or worse, subjected to abuse and discrimination. Age should never diminish a person’s dignity.
Yet, the struggles faced by elderly people in India and around the world expose deep cracks in our societal fabric.
The Rights Every Elderly Person Deserves
Elderly individuals, like all human beings, have inalienable rights that must be protected and upheld. These include:
1. Right to Live with Dignity
Every senior citizen has the right to a life of respect and dignity, free from humiliation and degrading treatment, whether in their homes, care facilities, or public spaces.
2. Right to Safety and Protection
Protection from physical, emotional, financial, and verbal abuse is a fundamental human right. Elder abuse, unfortunately, remains unreported or underreported in India due to social stigma and family pressures.
3. Right to Health and Social Care
Access to quality healthcare, mental health support, and age-sensitive services must be prioritized. This includes ensuring mobility aids, geriatric care, and palliative care.
4. Right to Financial Security
Elderly citizens should have access to pensions, savings, and financial systems without exploitation. Economic dependence often forces elders into vulnerable positions.
5. Right to Participation
Age does not erase a person’s ability to contribute meaningfully to society. Elderly voices must be heard in policy decisions, family matters, and community engagements.
The Indian Legal Framework
India has taken legal steps to protect its elderly population:
- The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 mandates that children and heirs provide maintenance to senior citizens.
- The Article 41 of the Constitution directs the State to provide public assistance in cases of old age.
- National Policy on Older Persons, 1999 outlines strategies for ensuring the welfare of the elderly.
- Various state governments run welfare schemes and helplines specifically for senior citizens.
Yet, implementation remains weak.
Cultural taboos, lack of awareness, and systemic gaps prevent these protections from reaching those in need.
The Social Reality
Despite legal protections, countless elderly citizens face:
- Isolation and Loneliness: With changing family structures, many are left alone or abandoned in old age homes.
- Financial Exploitation: Property disputes and financial manipulation by family members are common.
- Health Neglect: Access to affordable geriatric care is limited, particularly in rural areas.
- Elder Abuse: Studies suggest that over 50% of the elderly population has faced some form of abuse, often from family members.
Our Call to Action
At Justice League Foundation, we believe that true humanity is reflected in how we treat the most vulnerable among us.
It is time to create a culture of intergenerational respect and care.
You can make a difference:
- Raise awareness: Educate your community about elderly rights and elder abuse.
- Volunteer your time: Visit an old age home, spend time with the elderly in your neighborhood.
- Advocate for stronger policies: Demand better implementation of laws protecting the elderly.
- Offer support: Whether through financial help, legal aid, or simply listening, your actions matter.
- Empower the elderly: Encourage them to know their rights and seek help when needed.
Conclusion: A Society that Remembers Its Elders is a Society that Thrives
The elderly are the custodians of our wisdom, culture, and heritage. They cared for us; it is now our turn to care for them.
Justice League Foundation envisions a world where every person, regardless of age, lives with dignity, joy, and respect. Let’s build that world together.