Hyderabad Stands 2nd In The List Of Most Abusive Cities Towards Elderly  

New Delhi: A survey conducted by HelpAge India made a startling revelation showing that Hyderabad stands second in the abuse of elderly people at public spaces. The report titled as 'How India treats its elderly'. Bangalore stood first with 70 per cent, followed by Hyderabad with 60 per cent, 59 per cent in Guwahati, 52 per cent in Kolkata, 49 per cent in Chennai and 33 per cent in Mumbai while the national capital faced the leased abuse standing at 23 per cent. The report showed the national average at 44 per cent.

"We had conversations with more than 4,000 people in different cities across the country. They have shared their stories of discrimination in society. From pushing and ignoring to misbehaving with them, there have been horrific incidents which elderly people have gone through," says Manjira Khurana, the Country Head-Communication and Advocacy of HelpAge India.

Sixteen per cent of those who travel by public bus mention incidents of misbehaviour by bus conductor, while 17 per cent of mall staff is reported to have behaved badly with the elderly. Columnist and author Santosh Desai termed the findings of the data "alarming", and said that improving the behaviour of people toward the elderly was one of the primary steps towards achieving a progressive society.

Manjira Khurana

They have shared their stories of discrimination in society. From pushing and ignoring to misbehaving with them, there have been horrific incidents which elderly people have gone through

Quoting several people who feel threatened to even move out of their homes due to experiences of abuse, the report notes how many feel stepping out as a "necessary evil".

Talking about the importance of the research report, Mathew Cherian, CEO of HelpAge India, says, "Elderly abuse is a sensitive topic. Over the past few years we have been studying and researching elderly abuse within closed doors of one's home."