Latest news with #WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay2025
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Experts stress importance of early identification of elder abuse signs
The importance of early identification of signs of elder abuse was stressed during a day-long programme organised by the Department of Geriatric Medicine, Jipmer and Help Age India, in connection with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025 recently. According to a press note, the 2025 edition of the observance, themed, 'Be Bold: Age with Attitude,' aimed at sensitising the senior citizens, public and caregivers to the growing concern of elder abuse and the importance of prevention, reporting, and offering legal protection. G. Venugopalan, Associate Professor, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Jipmer, who elaborated on the forms of elder abuse and risk factors, stressed the need for early identification and timely intervention. Fromsi Lukose, Social Service Officer, focused on various prevention strategies and highlighted the role of families, caregivers, and society in creating a safe and respectful environment for the elderly. She also stressed the importance of empowering older persons to speak up and seek help when needed. Addressing a session on legal aspects and social protection of elders, Venugopal Ramalingam, Director, HelpAge India, Puducherry and Cuddalore, outlined the several legal provisions and support systems available for protection of the elderly and urged stakeholders to utilise them effectively. As part of the programme, educational handouts were distributed to promote awareness on elder abuse prevention and the helpline 14567. The pamphlets illustrated the various ways in which the problem manifests — physical harm, emotional harassment, deprivation, verbal and nonverbal abuse causing mental distress, and financial or sexual forms of abuse. Among the typical signs of elder abuse are unexplained injuries or bruises, changes in behaviour or mood, financial distress, poor hygiene or nutrition and isolation from friends and family. Victims were also urged to report instances of abuse to doctors, social workers, or NGOs. Around 80 elderly people and their caregivers benefited from the event, the press note said.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Digital tech brings young and old close, but gaps exist, shows HelpAge report
Chennai: Is digital technology helpful for senior citizens? Yes and no, responded elders who took part in a survey by HelpAge India. While 73% of the 5,798 elders surveyed across 10 cities believe digital technology has brought them closer to the youth, many say they struggle with digital tools due to confusion, fear of errors, and forgetfulness, highlighting a significant digital literacy gap. The study also found that youth often face communication barriers with elders due to busy schedules and fear of being judged. The 47-year-old HelpAge India unveiled its national report — Understanding Inter-generational Dynamics & Perceptions on Ageing — to mark the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025, on Friday. At the event, Uma Devi, joint director, social welfare department, emphasised govt efforts such as the Anbu Cholai day care scheme, which promotes elder engagement and intergenerational bonding. She stressed the importance of reconnecting with grandparents, whom she called treasures of knowledge. G Vanitha, deputy commissioner of police (crimes against women and children), spoke about the Bandham initiative, which supports elders with daily needs and safety. She said: "Installing safety buzzers in residential areas and establishing elder-friendly recreational clubs. The moral role of grandparents in family life and encouraged youth to educate elders about safety apps like Kaaval Uthavi to prevent cybercrimes." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Aranga Narayannan, 88, of Tambaram West, said: "Such effective public awareness meetings must be held frequently and reach every house in a street. This could raise a sensitive surrounding." The theme broadly analyses the perceptions of 70% youth and 30% elders. It conveys that the youth feel the value of elders but are restrained from expressing it, while elders understand and appreciate the advanced younger generation but feel neglected by study reiterates the need for engaging in open and respectful conversations as the most effective way to foster better connections. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
