Latest news with #RadhaS.Murthy
The Hindu
14-06-2025
- The Hindu
70% elder abuse complaints in last 3 years were against family members: helpline data
Around 70% elder abuse complaints reported in the last three years (2022 - 2025) were against family members, according to data from the Elders Helpline, a toll free number (1090) which is a joint project of Bengaluru City police and Nightingales Medical Trust (NMT), supported by the Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens. This data was revealed on Saturday ahead of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), observed on June 15 every year globally to spotlight the issue of elder abuse, which includes physical, emotional, financial, and sexual harm, as well as neglect. The data showed that sons rank consistently as primary perpetrators, followed by daughters-in-law and other close relatives. 'The leading causes of abuse include disputes related to property and financial matters, alongside caregiving burdens and a growing lack of adjustment within multi-generational households, highlighting intergenerational tensions and the urgent need for elder-sensitive support systems,' said Radha S. Murthy, managing trustee, NMT. NMT, in association with Elders Helpline, had organised a public awareness campaign against elder abuse on June 14. The event featured street plays and a roadshow from Shivajinagar to KR market, aiming to raise public awareness and promote community-level action. Flagging off the campaign, Nataraj S., Joint Director of the Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, stated, 'Our culture is to value our elders. There is an urgent need to protect and take collective action against elder abuse.' S Premkumar Raja, Co-founder and Secretary of NMT, lamented, 'Generally in India, we think that old age home is a solution for the problems of the elderly. However, that is not the ideal solution. Elders always want to be part of their families and society.' Further commenting on elder abuse, he said, 'Sadly, since most of the time the abusers are family members, the problem is hidden.' It was also revealed during the event that since its inception in 2002, the helpline has received over 2,73,600 calls and walk-ins have registered more than 15,000 complaints. More than 69% of the cases have been resovled and 44,500 counselling sessions have been conducted. Registration for Ayush Vaya Vandana Card To assist the elderly, the Elders Helpline – composed of social workers, counsellors, legal professionals and police personnel – will be initiating a registration help desk for issuing 'Ayush Vaya Vandana Card' for elders over 70 years. Registrations will be conducted by prior appointment once a week on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card is a specialised health and welfare card under the Ayushman Bharat scheme for senior citizens, particularly those aged 70 and above.
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Urban dementia screening study highlights gaps in awareness and early detection
An urban dementia screening study, involving 716 older adults from upper socio-economic backgrounds across apartment complexes in Bengaluru, has found that family members and the elderly often miss early signs of cognitive decline. The study conducted by Dementia India Alliance (DIA), an NGO promoting dementia care in the country, in association with Athulya Senior Care, has found that stigma continues to prevent timely screening, even in educated communities. This initiative comes in the wake of growing evidence of the rising prevalence of dementia in India. The Longitudinal Aging Study in India - Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia (LASI-DAD) has estimated that over 7.4% of Indians aged 60 and above may be living with dementia, with nearly 90% remaining undiagnosed owing to a lack of awareness, stigma, and access to trained professionals. Findings of study Giving details of the findings, Ramani Sundaram, executive director of DIA, told presspersons on Thursday that among 591 elders aged 60-plus, 12.2% of the individuals were identified with cognitive impairment through HMSE (Hindi Mental State Examination) score of ≤23. While 29.2% men and 25% women had at least one vascular comorbidity, 30.6% men and 26.4% women had either hearing or vision impairment. These findings highlight the need to address vascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and sensory impairments, all of which were commonly observed among participants, she said. The study found that family members of 56.9% individuals screened failed to recognise early signs of cognitive decline, underscoring how stigma continues to delay timely screening even in educated communities. An additional 72 participants had scored 24-26 in HMSE, 59.7% amongst them male. These individuals are considered a vulnerable population and will be followed up with individual and family education to encourage further assessment, she said. Among 79 individuals aged between 50 and 59, 11.4% had cognitive impairment, of which 66.7% individuals had at least one vascular or sensory comorbidity. This early-onset trend further emphasises the need for preventive strategies and early interventions, even among younger older adults. Further assessment Radha S. Murthy, DIA president, said individuals identified with cognitive impairment and those belonging to the vulnerable group will be referred and followed up through DemClinic – the free online memory clinic – for further assessment and personalised risk reduction counselling. The study findings raise urgent questions about preparedness, access to assessment, and culturally appropriate tools for early detection in India's rapidly ageing population. In addition, the study brings to light the need for more nuanced public education and targeted outreach, especially in urban settings where denial and fear of diagnosis often deter participation, she said. 'The data reinforces what we see in the field — awareness is still low, even among well-educated families. We need multi-layered approaches to ensure people are assessed early and guided to appropriate care and support,' Dr. Murthy added.
