Bangalore no more haven for the elderly
21 Sep 2008
Before the city emerged as the country's IT capital, it prided itself over the tag of 'pensioner's paradise' . The dark side of the silicon boom has been reflected in many ways, including safety concerns for pensioners and other senior citizens.
A reality check on security measures taken up by the police shows the promise is far from delivered . The reasons are many. The police say senior citizens living alone in the city have been identified . But many are not comfortable divulging their details, as they fear these might fall into the wrong hands. Also, many are unable to give details and photographs of domestic help as these people are reluctant to work under such conditions.
In a joint project of Bangalore police and the Nightingales Medical Trust, a helpline offers assistance to elders in distress. Dr Sudha S Murthy, managing trustee of the trust, says it receives 25-30 calls a day. A majority of them report physical and mental abuse, ill-treatment or financial exploitation by family members.
Worried seniors also call up when there is a robbery or murder in the area or complain about the absence of beat policemen. The police experimented with a beat system 2-3 years ago. Constables had an ID card that they would flash on an electronic system while on rounds. This would register their names and record their visit. But the project remains in pilot mode.
The elders' helpline service handles family disputes , exploitation and desertion, counselling, tracing of missing elders, rehabilitation as well as education on basic personal and financial security, legal advice and police action. Call 1090 Dignity Foundation helpline: 41511307/ 41661076
Abridged
SOURCE: Times of India
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