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Showing posts from February, 2009

Aged population - the most neglected lot of society

Aged people are the most neglected lot not just in India but whole of the world. Nobody seems to want them around themselves. Their plight is worst in India. India has no social security for them and most of the older population lives with their sons & daughter-in-laws who treat them like unwanted elements without realising that some day they too would be like their parents.  A report [Integrated Programme for Older People] by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment shows that  " There has been a steady rise in the population of older persons in India. The number of elder persons has increased from 19.8m in 1951 to 76m in 2001 and the projections indicate that the number of 60+ in India will increase to 100m in 2013 and to 198m in 2030. The life expectancy, which was around 29y in 1947, has increased manifold and now stands close to 63y."  In this context the aged population is at an increasing risk of neglect and abuse. Elder abuse is important social pro...