International Day for Older Persons: A call to protect and cherish the golden generation

The life cycle of a human being is the most powerful concept as it encapsulates the incredible journey of human existence encompassing all the stages of growth, development and transformation. Humans start as dependent beings, celebrating milestones and marking challenges but as they reach the twilight years of old age, they begin to reflect on a lifetime of memories. It is a time when the poignancy of mortality becomes all too real and they yearn for moments of peace, understanding, and acceptance.

On the historic day of December 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. This stands as a beacon of recognition and appreciation for those who have gracefully journeyed through life’s many phases. The day is celebrated with a different theme each year with the objective of recognising the contributions of older persons and examining issues that affect their lives.

This year, the theme is, “Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations”. The topic is apt in a world where one witnesses heartbreaking crimes against senior citizens. In addition, it is a stark reminder of the pressing need to protect and cherish the elderly who have weathered the storms of life and deserve our unwavering care and respect.

Read on.

Data for crime against senior citizens in India:

·        National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) indicates a consistent rise in crimes against senior citizens in India with Delhi, Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh reporting the highest numbers. In 2019, the number of such crimes reached a peak at 27,804 cases.

·        As per 2020, reported cases declined mainly due to the COVID-19 lockdown but Madhya Pradesh saw an increase in crimes against senior citizens even during this period.

·        In 2021, there were 26,110 reported cases of such crimes in the country, showing a 5.3 per cent increase from the previous year. Moreover, Delhi witnessed a significant 28.69 per cent surge in these crimes during the same year.

These numbers are disturbing and they evoke a deep sense of concern for the well-being of our society’s most vulnerable members. It is heart-wrenching to think of our elderly who have spent their lives contributing to our communities, facing such grave threats to their safety and dignity. Therefore, as a society, it becomes our moral duty to unite and protect them during their later years. In achieving this, students can play a vital role and address crimes against senior citizens through awareness.

Some actionable measures for students include:

·        Community Engagement: Students can volunteer at local senior centers or organisations that support the elderly. Spending time with seniors can reduce their vulnerability to crime and provide companionship.

·        Interact and Build Trust: Foster intergenerational connections by organising events that bring students and senior citizens together, helping to build trust and understanding.

·        Technology Assistance: Teach senior citizens how to use basic communication and safety apps on their smartphones. Ensure they are familiar with emergency call features.

·        Legal Awareness: Organise legal awareness sessions for senior citizens to educate them about their rights and how to report crimes.

·        Neighborhood Watch Programmes: Promote the establishment of neighborhood watch programs to keep a vigilant eye on the safety of senior citizens in the community.

As a society, we must remain open to considering alternative approaches to ensure the care and attention senior citizens deserve, such as exploring options like foster care and adult adoption.

For instance, in Japan, the traditional expectation of adult children caring for their aging parents remains deeply ingrained. However, as societal changes have led to more complex family structures and increasing geographic separation between generations, addressing the growing need for elderly care has become a significant challenge. In response to this evolving landscape, adult adoption has emerged as a unique and culturally relevant solution to provide care and support for elderly family members who may no longer have their adult children living with them. This practice underscores the enduring value placed on family bonds and the commitment to the well-being of seniors in Japanese society.

As another example, the celebrated author, Ruskin Bond, has extended his family by embracing a foster family. He now resides in Himachal Pradesh, alongside Rakesh and Beena, a warm-hearted couple; he has adopted their family as his. This choice exemplifies the meaningful connections that can be formed through foster care, transcending traditional family boundaries, and enriching the lives of all involved. It serves as a beautiful reminder of the diverse forms of family and support that can exist beyond conventional norms, promoting unity and shared experiences among generations.

In that vein, on International Day for Older Persons, let us vow to stand together, to raise our voices against injustice, and to advocate for stronger legal protections and support systems for our elderly loved ones. They have traversed the journey of life, bearing its burdens and blessings, and it is our sacred duty to ensure their twilight years are filled with peace, respect, and the assurance of safety. In our collective commitment lies the power to transform the landscape of aging, to replace vulnerability with resilience and to build a world where the wisdom and grace of our elders are cherished and protected at every turn.