Human Rights of Elderly in India - A Critical Reflection On Social Development - July 2015

(In Special Consultative Status with the ECOSOC at United Nations since 2011)
-Associated NGO Status with UN-DPI-
HUMAN RIGHTS OF ELDERLY

IN INDIA:
A CRITICAL REFLECTION
ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
JULY 2015
Agewell Research & Advocacy Centre
RESEARCH & ADVOCACY CENTRE

(For Needs & Rights of Older people)
********************
Agewell Foundation
M-8A, Lajpat Nagar-II,

New Delhi-110024, India.
+9111-29836486, 29840484
[email protected]
www.agewellfoundation.org
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CONTENTS
I. Introduction …………………………………………..… 04
Ii. Review of Literature …………………………………… 06
Iii. Conceptual Framework………………………………... 10
Iv. Aims & Objectives of the Study………………………… 12
V. Research Questions………………………………………13
Vi. Scope & Methodology……………………………………15
Vii. The Narrative of the Problem by this Study…………… 20
Viii. Major Findings………………………………………..… 23
- Human Rights of Older Persons…………………..... 30
Ix. Observations………………………………………….… 34
X. Conclusions……………………………………………… 35
Xi. References……………………………………………… 37
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HUMAN RIGHTS OF ELDERLY IN INDIA:

A CRITICAL REFLECTION ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
I. Introduction
Ageing is generally described as the process of growing old and is an integral
part of the life-cycle. It is a multi-dimensional process and affects almost
every aspect of human life particularly when one is in his later stages while
crossing the age of 60. While dealing with the condition of the older persons
the emphasis is now on demographic changes at the macro level that refers
to the ‘ageing of population’- a trend, which has characterized industrial or
modern societies throughout the twentieth century but in recent decades,
has become a worldwide phenomenon. An aging society is basically the
result of a two dimensional demographic transformation which is explained
by overall declines in mortality and fertility. The focus of society and
governments in particular on an ‘aging population’ and the trends thereon is
also because of the fact that the ‘burden of dependency’ on the younger
generation increases and governments have to make increased budgetary
allocation to meet the needs of the elderly.
At the individual level, ageing can be defined as a progressive functional
decline, or a gradual deterioration of physiological function with age,
including a decrease in fecundity (Lopez-Otin et al1 2013). As per Comfort2
(1964) ageing means the intrinsic, inevitable, and irreversible age-related
process of loss of viability and increase in vulnerability. Even if the
phenomenon of aging is universal, a single definition of old age however
cannot be found. It varies across and within cultures as well as across time
and space.
1 Lopez-Otin, C., Blasco, M. A., Partridge, L., Serrano, M. & Kroemer, G. (2013). ‘The hallmarks of
Ageing’. Cell. 153: 1194–1217.
2 Comfort, A. (1964). Ageing: The Biology of Senescence. Routledge & Kegan Paul, London.
4
A Sociological Interpretation of Aging:

Though ageing as a process is a
chronological phenomenon, it is less
important than the social and cultural
meaning attached to this process. In
general, with increasing age the process
of aging is often associated with
declining health, loss of independence,
shrinking of social roles, isolation and
feeling of loneliness, economic
hardship, being labeled or stigmatized
as a burden on the family and society,
intergenerational conflicts, ill-treatment
& abuse, desertion and need of shelter
through institutionalized arrangements.
On the family front, the condition and
status of the older persons in the family
is dependent on their physical health,
employment and socio-economic
situation, extent of availability of family
care and social support systems.
In the present scenario, with an increase
in longevity and relatively better health
care facilities there has been a steady
increase in the number of elderly as well as their proportion in our
population. Simultaneously, the fast changing social landscape in terms of
this has led us to being more conscious of the many social, economical,
psychological and health problems of the elderly in our country. Of these
problems, health and medical problems are generally considered to be
important as they affect a large majority of the elderly. It is very important
to, therefore, understand the needs and problems faced by the elderly; their
health and psycho-social needs and so solicit their opinion in improving the
existing welfare provisioning systems, health care systems in the country as
well as the social support systems in the family and community.
5
II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

A brief review of literature has been attempted here to highlight the
conditions of the elderly, the various dimensions of problems of the elderly
and challenges faced, the social support systems at work to deal with need
of care and attention required by the elderly people in Indian society.
Chronological age of sixty and above is considered the beginning of old age.
However, speaking in terms of the Indian context the existence of mass
poverty, changes in family structure visible by way of breakdown of joint
families, greater life expectancy and deterioration of cultural values and
norms are engendering stumbling blocks on the part of the aged to cope
with the challenges faced in later age (Bhatia 1983).
Challenges faced in Old Age: The condition of elderly people in the family is a
cause of concern. It is a well known fact that the elderly face problems of
physical fitness and health problems, financial problems, psychological
problems and problems of interaction in a social familial setting. But the real
issue is when the elderly start to be viewed as a burden on the family and
more so when they cease to be functional (Rajan, Mishra and Sharma 3 1999).
Other associated issues relate to psychosocial and environmental problems
that include the feeling of neglect, loss of importance in the family,
loneliness and feeling of being unwanted, feelings of inadequacy and
obsolescence of skills, education and expertise (Swaminathan, 1996).
Care of the Elderly and Social Support: It is generally accepted among social
gerontologists that the availability and use of informal, mainly familial
support is a key element in providing care services to the elderly people
(Anderson4 1987). Older people perceive the informal network of kin, friends
and neighbors as the appropriate social support in most situations of need
(Arling, 1981). Many recent research undertaken also points to the fact that
even though majority of the elderly studied were married and stayed with
3 Irudaya Rajan, S., Mishra, US and Sarma, PS. (1999). India’s Elderly: Burden Or Challenge? New Delhi:
Sage Publications and London: Thousand Oaks.
4 Anderson, T.B. (1984). Widowhood as a life transition: Its impact on kinship ties. Journal of Marriage and
the Family, 46, 105–114.
6
their relatives, there was a significant discrepancy in objective and perceived

social support (Tiple et al5. 2006). Existence of stigmatized social perception,
negative attitude towards the elderly and
lack of social support systems would
manifest in poor mental health and
problems of adjustment which will make
them more vulnerable. Those elderly
people who lacked adequate social
support within the family tend to
possess low levels of mental health and
run the risk of being vulnerable to
depression (Malhotra et al.6: 2010)
It would be worthwhile to clarify the
term “social support”, since the study
hinges strongly on it. Social support has
been commonly referred to as support
which is "provided by other people and
arises within the context of interpersonal
relationships" (Hirsh7 1981, p. 151) and as
"support accessible to an individual
through social ties to other individuals,
groups, and the larger community" (Lin,
Simeone, Ensel, & Kuo8 1979, p. 109). A
relatively precise definition of social support has been offered by House9
(1981) and Cobb10 (1982). House has outlined four broad classes or types of
5 Tiple P, Sharma SN, Srivastava AS. (2006). Psychiatric morbidity in geriatric people. Indian J Psychiatry,
48:88–94.
6 Malhotra, R., Chan, A. & Østbye T. (2010). Prevalence and correlates of clinically significant depressive
symptoms among elderly people in Sri Lanka: findings from a national survey. Inter Psychogeriatr 22(2),
227–236.
7 Hirsh, B. J. (1981). Social networks and the coping process: Creating personal communities. In B. Gottlieb
(Ed.), Social networks and social support (pp. 149-170). Bever- ly Hills, CA: Sage Publications
8 Lin, N., Simeone, R. S., Ensel, W. M., & Kuo, W. (1979). Social support, stressful life events, and illness:
A model and an empirical test. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 20, 108-119
9 House, J. S. (1981). Work stress and social support. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
10 Cobb, S. (1982, February). An approach to the relationship between social networks, the sense of social
and health. Paper presented at the Sunbelt Social Networks Conference, Phoenix, AZ
7
supportive behaviors or acts which he believes should be considered as

potential forms of social support:
1. Emotional support – providing empathy, caring, love, trust, esteem,
concern, and listening.
2. Instrumental support – providing aid in kind, money, labor, time, or
any direct help.
3. Informational support – providing advice, suggestions, directives, and
information for use in coping with personal and environmental
problems.
4. Appraisal support – providing affirmation, feedback, social
comparison, and self-evaluation.
Cobb provides an even more specific definition of social support by listing
four statements which together would be the essence of what he calls the
subjective sense of social support. The four statements are represented by
the key words – love, esteem, security, and appraisal, which could be viewed
as four different kinds of support potentially available from others. The study
tries and culls out information on the basis of the meaning as coined by
House & Cobb in order to assess the form and extent of social support
received by the elderly people in the family.
Health, Mental Health & Effects of Social Support: Mental illness has always
been seen a problematic but not as public health issue until 1996, when the
World Health Organization published the results of the first Global Burden of
Disease study (Murray and Lopez 1996). Depression was the fourth leading
cause of disease burden, accounting for 3.7 % of disability-adjusted life years
(DALYs) in 1990, 4.4 % in 2000, and projected to be 15 % of DALYs by 2020
(Ustun 1999 ; Ustun et al. 2004).
Empirical research points to the fact that stressful life events appear to lead
to increased use of health care services when the elderly person is
particularly vulnerable due to a low level of social support from family
members, neighbors, and associates (Krause11 1988, Pilisuk et al12 1987). This
suggests that social support serves as an important coping resource to older
11 Krause N. (1988). Stressful life events and physician utilization. J Gerontol. 1988; 43:53.
12 Pilisuk M, Boylan R, Acredolo C. (1987). Social support, life stress, and subsequent medical care
utilization. Health Psychol. 6:273
8
persons, which in turn enables them to cope with stressful life events
without resorting to entering the medical care system for assistance. This
consistent finding clearly suggests that both of these variables are worthy of
continued inclusion in future studies of changes in medical care services used
by the elderly (Counte and Glandon13 1991).
In an earlier study done by Dean et al.14 (1990) it was found that respondents
with lower support from children showed higher depression than did those
without children; those with low spousal support showed higher levels of
depression than did widowed respondents.
Social Networks, Positive Mental Health and Successful Aging: The World
Health Organization (WHO 2004) recently highlighted the need to promote
positive mental health when it defined mental health positively as “… a state
of well–being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can
cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully,
and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”. Fiori, Antonucci,
and Cortina15 (2006) are of the view that an active social network of family
and friends can promote healthy aging through a variety of mechanisms
including tangible and emotional support. Additionally, these researchers
believe that high quality social relations may be associated with increased
mental health. Individuals who have more restricted networks were most
likely to exhibit signs of depression.
13 Michael A. Counte and Gerald L. Glandon. (1991). A Panel Study of Life Stress, Social Support, and the
Health Services Utilization of Older Persons. Medical Care. Vol. 29, No. 4 (Apr., 1991), pp. 348-361
14 Dean A., Kolody B. and Wood P. (1990). Effects of Social Support from Various Sources on Depression in
Elderly Persons. Journal of Health and Social Behavior. Vol. 31. No.2 pp. 148-161
15 Fiori Katherine L., Antonucci Toni C., and Cortina Kai S. (2006). Social Network Typologies and Mental
Health Among Older Adults. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social
Sciences 61B, no. 1 (2006): p. 25-32.
9
III. Conceptual Framework

A literature review on aging suggests that sociological factors impinge upon
the life conditions of the elderly in terms of their changing roles and
relationships. The theoretical framework that was adopted for the study was
a dynamic one that uses and includes theories like the:
(i) Activity Theory which is built around four major concepts – activity,
equilibrium, adaptation to role loss, and life satisfaction;
disengagement theory as developed by Havighurst et a. (Havighurst16
1963; Havighurst, Neugarten, and Tobin17 1963).
(ii) Disengagement Theory which holds that successful aging involved
growing older gracefully by gradually replacing the equilibrium
system of social relations typical of midlife with a new equilibrium
more appropriate to the interests of people approaching the end of
life. This new equilibrium was presumed to involve a lower overall
volume of social relations and a less psychological investment in the
social affairs of the family in which the elderly are living and the
larger community (Cumming and Henry18 1961).
(iii) Continuity Theory which in contrast to disengagement theory posits
that older adults who maintain mid-life habits, lifestyles, and
relationships will have more success in aging (Atchley19 1972). The
study makes an attempt to find out the extent and the ways in which
respondents are able to successfully engage and adjust between the
expectation to continue with mid-life roles in the family and the
demand to pass-over the reign of decision-making and other roles to
the younger generation.
16 Havighurst, R. J. (1963). Successful aging. In R. H. Williams, C.Tibbitts,&W. Donohue (Eds.), Processes

of aging: Social and psychological perspectives, (Vol. 1, pp. 299–320). New York: Atherton.
17 Havighurst, R. J., Neugarten, B. L.,&Tobin, S. S. (1963). Disengagement, personality and life satisfaction
in the later years. In P. F. Hansen (Ed.), Age with a future (pp. 419–425). Copenhagen: Munksgaard.
18 Cumming, E., & Henry, W. E. (1961). Growing old: The process of disengagement. New York: Basic
Books.
19 Atchley, R. C. (1972). The social forces in later life: An introduction to social gerontology. Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth.
10
Aging is a complex process, and an attempt was made in the research to

explore the complexities that determine the present condition of the
elderly and the challenges they face in the present socio-cultural and
political context and in a more holistic framework. Any other
contemporary theoretical strands of aging are also used to contribute to
a more vibrant and sustaining interpretation of the empirical situation of
the elderly people in the study area.
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IV. AIMS & Objectives of the Study

Social change is imminent in any society and culture. It affects individuals,
families and communities in varied ways. This effect is visible at the
structural, functional, social, and perceptual levels and in the way people are
related with one another and treated by the significant others. The aim of
this research is to cull out the nuances of these changes as it impacts the life
conditions and life standards of the elderly in families through an in-depth
qualitative study. The focus was on sociological determinants of the patterns
& standards of living of the elderly people. To further this aim the following
are a set of specific objectives that have been framed to undertake a
research on the conditions of the older persons in the study area:
1. To undertake a socio-economic situational study of the elderly living

in families.
2. To examine issues and problems
related to activities of daily living,
social engagement, social relations
and care and attention.
3. To list out the difficulties and
challenges faced by the elderly with
regard to their health and mental
health conditions.
4. To decipher the existence social
support systems and social capital,
their types and nature, as available to
older people in the family &
community to cope with life’s
adversities and challenges.
5. To enlist opinions and views of older
people regarding the determinants of
healthy and peaceful living.
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V. Research questions:
This is a qualitative study focused on social, economic, physiological and
psychological challenges faced by the elderly and the nature of care of the
elderly persons in the family and specifically throws following questions:
1. How can the lives of older persons be characterized?
2. What are existing social systems and the patterns of elder care within the
family?
3. What are the critical & felt needs of older persons?
4. Are the older persons leading a secure livelihood? If not, what are the
forms of vulnerability?
5. What are the socio-cultural processes and social change that impinge
upon the care of the elderly and social security?
6. What is the present attitude of younger generation towards elder care?
7. What is the morbidity pattern among aged?
Critical Parameters:
a. Whether staying with joint family younger generations in villages/
urban areas.
b. Class status (income) Regular Source of Income?
c. Caste status
d. Gender
e. Whether there is availability of 24 hours supply
of water & electricity?
f. Availability of medical services
g. Access to toilet in the household
h. Emergency services
i. Emotional care
j. Elderly abuse
k. Leisure & Recreation opportunities
l. Basic problems
13
Major Ailments/ handicaps
Teeth Eyes Ears Limbs
In this light a qualitative study across India was undertaken to comprehend

this and critically analyze it. Qualitative research methods were used by a
group of experienced social scientists of very senior level in the discipline of
sociology, social work, psychology and anthropology to understand unique
experiences of some of the respondents. The whole focus was
interdisciplinary and very holistic.
14
VI. SCOPE & Methodology

Scope of this Study:
The study made an attempt to study the social dynamics as is found existing
in the families where there is an elderly person in order to highlight the
patterns that emerge in relation to the contemporary issues and challenges
faced by the elderly and factors that impinge upon the quality of life. The
study also explored the relationship between life satisfaction of elderly
people and the social support available to them.
Universe & Units of the Study
The study was conducted in selected rural and
urban areas of India. The main respondents of the
study were the old persons living in families and
those who are above the age of 60.
Sampling Frame
A list of older persons who were willing to be part
of the study was first prepared. As the literature
review suggests the older people are faced with
diverse issues, problems and challenges ranging
from frailty to functional inadequacies; physical &
health problems; social isolation & loneliness; neglect, ill-treatment and
abuse; absence of a deceased partner; economic insecurity etc. Therefore,
while developing this list of respondents or the sampling frame the
representation of this diversity was kept in mind so that the variety of
challenges that older people face are culled out from this research.
Sampling Method, Sample Size & Duration
The respondents who comprised the sample for the study were selected on
the basis of non random sampling made on the basis of tribe or non-tribal
category, sex, caste, rural and semi-urban, retired persons & those who were
never employed, etc. Sample Size: A total of 5000 respondents were studied
by 500 volunteers for the study across the five regions of Northern,
15
Southern, Western, Eastern and Central India. The survey was conducted
during the month of June, 2015.
Tools and techniques for data collection

The major emphasis was on qualitative data and the use of qualitative
methods of research. Hence a more intuitive Approach was adopted for the
research so as to arrive at an understanding of this problem to cull out a
pattern. Also it resorted to the use of in-depth interviews to enrich the
research findings further.
Out of 5000 elderly interviewed during the survey, it was found that
2258 respondents (45.2% ) elderly respondents were in the age group
of 60-70 years, 1574 respondents were In the age group of 71-80 years
and remaining 1169 respondents (23.4%) were in the senior most age
group (81+ years). Total respondents consist of 2490 older men and
2510 older women.
Age-group-wise classification 60-70 71-80 81+ Total

Older Men 1223 747 520 2490
Older Women 1054 808 648 2510
Total 2277 1555 1168 5000
Respondents: Age Group & Gender wise

Older
Women
81+
Older
Men
71-80
60-70
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
16
When respondents were classified area-wise, it was found that 2615

respondents were from rural areas whereas 2385 respondents were
from cities/urban areas.
Area-wise classification 60-70 71-80 81+ Total

Rural elderly 1163 851 601 2615
Urban elderly 1104 724 557 2385
Total 2267 1575 1158 5000
81+ Rural elderly Urban elderly
71-80
60-70
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
Elderly respondents : Urban-Rural distribution
Elderly respondents Respondents % age

Urban-Rural distribution group wise
23%
46%
Total
31%
60-70 71-80 81+
0
2000 4000 6000 60-70 71-80 81+
17
In all, approximately 61% elderly respondents (70.9% elderly

respondents in rural areas and 49.6% respondents in urban areas) were
from lower income group; their monthly income was less than Rs.
5000.
In all, 26% elderly respondents (23% elderly respondents in rural areas

and 30% respondents in urban areas) were from lower middle/middle
income group; their monthly income was reportedly between Rs. 5000
to Rs. 15000.
Only 4% elderly respondents were from upper-middle/upper income

group, their monthly income was above Rs. 15000. In rural areas only
2% elderly respondents were from upper-middle/upper income group,
whereas, in urban areas 6.1% respondents belonged to upper-
middle/upper income group.
Rs. 10- > Rs. < Rs. 5k Rs. 5-10k

2000
1853
15k 15k
Rs. 10-15k > Rs. 15k
9% 4% 1800
1600
1400 1184
1200
Rs. 5- 1000
716
10k 800 601
26% < Rs. 5k 600 340
61% 400
109 52 145
200
0
Respondents:
Rural areas Urban Areas
Income Group
A guide for using ethnographic research method (salvage ethnographical

perspective - studying through memory based data gathering from the
interviews of the elderly: this technique was first used by famous American
cultural anthropologist, Franz Boas) was developed to enlist the views of the
elderly people studied which revealed in a much more comprehensive way
the world through the eyes of the elderly being studied. Besides this an
Observation Guide, too was developed to take note of inter-personal
18
interactions, physical conditions where the elderly are living, day-long

engagements & routines, nature of help and assistance as required and
provided by significant others, etc. Keeping in view of the above approach,
the study was all dependent on narrative of the researchers.
Thus, a holistic construction of the cultural systems could be evolved
through direct observation, participating in daily life, and recording in the
native language the meanings of things, persons and actions. A rigorous
regime of living with, or having direct or frequent contact for a prolonged
period with the elderly being studied helped in comprehending the condition
of the elderly better.
19
VII. THE NARRATIVE OF THE PROBLEM

BY THIS STUDY:
Post independent Indian Society does not portray a uniform picture in
relation to human rights of elderly in India. It tends to be influenced by
various factors as urban development, class, caste, gender and regional
development.
India is still in the nascent phase of institutional care system for elderly and
that too is confined to developed metros meant for upper and upper middle
classes only. Elderly care is still largely dependent on community care and
family care. However, due to rapid modernization, spared of materialistic
values and breakdown of joint family system, migration of working
population and young to urban areas has further adversely affected elderly
care. In a society where there is very poor infrastructure (roads and
housing), poor public health care system and bad sanitation, it is the elderly
who suffer most. Often the young and earning male family members with
their wives and children migrate to cities leaving elderly behind in village.
Lack of toilets in houses (people go to open fields to ease themselves), no
medical services, and lack of safe drinking water, inefficient electric
connectivity and absence of consistent 24 hours supply of electricity adds to
woes of elderly. Even going to attend nature’s call in open field or in privacy
could be a serious challenge to an elderly lady who is sick, infirm or physically
handicapped to walk. Similarly, lack of appropriate nutrition, medical care,
water and electricity could cause serious Human Rights issues.
These problems get compounded with adverse social positioning of an
elderly in terms of caste, class, gender and regional development. Obviously
it translates into greater deprivation being in the direction of upper caste to
lower caste, upper class to lower class and male to female. Degree of urban
or regional development too becomes a contributory condition to it. Since
most elderly are left behind in rural area due to migration of younger
members of family therefore it is a serious problem of lack of emotional care.
In case of urban areas, the younger generation has relatively little time (for
looking after elders emotionally) from the hectic schedules of daily life. More
20
than that elderly women suffer double jeopardy as in traditional societies

they never retire. They are expected to work in kitchen, help in baby-sitting,
even at stay indoors with none to share or speak to. Elderly man do have the
possibilities of meeting same age group senior citizen in neighborhood,
village chaupals or public parks but elderly women rarely get a chance to
step outside home as they are burdened with household daily chores and/ or
baby-sitting.
Those elderly people who stay
with joint family often suffer
from elder abuse. This
phenomenon is more common
in urban areas than rural areas
because community pressure in
rural areas prevents possible
elder abuse. Also more often
than not the younger members
of family do not live in rural
areas; hence, this also reduces
the possibility of elder abuse.
The preceding decades have
witnessed an increase in the life
span the world over and in India
too. However, this has possibly
not been accompanied by good
quality of life for majority of
older Indians. This is mainly
because of breakdown of joint
families, industrialization and
relocation of the younger kin to
places away from home, high cost of living, scarcity of living space, widening
disparities in values and perception due to generation gap, negative
stereotypes referred to as ageism, intergenerational conflicts which refers to
new-ageism followed by many other reasons like changes in the family
structure, physical and health condition, social support systems existing in
the community and the like.
21
As a consequence of the multi-dimensionality of the issues that senior

citizens are faced with and the fast-paced changes which are occurring in
Indian society it is presumed that there may be an increase in neglect and
inadequate care and attention towards older persons in the family. It is,
therefore, necessary to study and understand the dynamics involved in our
Indian families. There is an increased need to develop a model of social care
for the older people in tune with the changing need and times.
It is essential to devise
models and
mechanisms to help
the elderly face the
impending challenges
in present day
context. A strategy is
the need of the hour.
The components of
the old age care
strategy could be the
process of policy and
strategy formulation,
focus on primary
health care, age
friendly social
systems, strong participation of the older population in society,
development of human resources to quality care, creation and maintenance
of multi-disciplinary networks to facilitate care of the elderly, research,
surveys and studies for establishment of evidence based care and raising the
awareness of the population to active ageing.
22
VIII. MAJOR FINDINGS:
In all, 19.2% elderly respondents,

interacted during the survey, Staying with
reportedly said that they are living in joint family?
joint families.
2039
In rural areas 29.1% elderly Rural areas
respondents admitted that they live
in joint families, whereas in urban Urban Areas
areas only 8.3% elderly agreed that
they live in their joint families.
When elderly respondents were 2001

198
asked about their observation on
younger generations' preference, 762
approx. In all, around 2/3rd

respondents (65.2%) said that Yes No
younger generations preferred to live
alone, without their parents and other family members.
Approximately 1/3rd elderly respondents (32.8%) said that younger

generations like to live with their parents.
3262 Younger generation prefers to stay

Rural Urban Overall
1642
96
Alone With parents only With joint family
23
Only 1.9% respondents express their observations that younger

generations preferred to live in joint families.
In all, 49.8% and 82.3% respondents from rural and urban areas
respectively think that younger people prefer nuclear families.
In all, 46.9% and 17.3% elderly respondents from rural and urban areas
respectively, think that younger people prefer to live with their
parents.
Younger generations' preferred
According to every
destination
second elderly 2500
respondent, Rural Urban Overall
metropolitan cities
are favorite 1878
destination of our
1446
younger
generations to 1008
1055
live/migrate in. In 623
all, 40.2% rural 870
elderly and 60.8% 561

urban elderly
62
respondents were
of this view. Villages Cities Metro cities
Overall only 12.6%

respondents said that younger generations prefer to live in villages.
Among this category of respondents, urban respondents were only
2.6%.
In rural areas approximately, every fifth elderly said that younger

generations prefer to live in their own villages instead of migrating to
cities/metro cities.
In all, 37.55% respondents said that young people want to live in cities
or in their nearby cities.
In all, 41.6% respondents said that they belong to unorganized sector

or indulged in agriculture/daily wages.
24
In all, 33.14% respondents

Self
reportedly were retired employe
govt. employees whereas Unorgani d
20.4% respondents were zed 5%
sector/Ag
retired from various private riculture/
sector organizations. labour
41%
Among the respondents
Occupational
0.5% elderly respondents
status of
were self- Retired
Respondents
employed/businessmen. Govt.
Retired employe
In all, 38.75% elderly from e
private 33%
respondents (i.e. 1938 older
sector
persons out of 5000 21%
respondents) admitted that
overall social status of older
persons is pitiable in our country.
Only 9.54% elderly respondents were found to be satisfied with the

overall social status of
Some-
elderly. According to them, what
Respecta
social status of elderly in ble respect-
our society is respectable. 10% able
10%
In all, 41.26% respondents
judged the social status of
elderly as average while
10.45% respondents said Pitiable
39%
that their status in society is Average
somewhat respectable. 41%
Overall Social status

of older persons in the society
25
Most common problems of old people, highly ranked by the respondents

were as follows;
1. Lack of gainful engagement opportunities
2. Declining health status
3. Lack of respect in family/society
4. Loneliness/isolation
5. Psychological issues
6. Financial problems
7. Legal issues
8. Interpersonal problems
3000
2500
3rd priority
2000
2nd priority 1500
1000
1st priority
500
Most common problems of old people
According to 22.2% respondents, lack of gainful engagement was most

common problem in old age.
26
In all, 21.24% older persons think that declining health status is most
common problem of old people.
In all, 18% respondents accepted that lack of respect and dignity in old
age is most common problem of older persons.
1200
1000
1st priority
800
600
400
200
0
Lack of Declini Lack of Lonelin Psycho Financi Legal Interpe Other
gainful ng respect ess/iso logical al issues rsonal
engage health in lation issues proble proble
ment status family/ ms ms
opport society
unities
1st priority 1107 1062 901 573 551 271 223 203 111
Declining health status in old age was termed as second most common
problem by highest (20.1%) number of older persons. After that lack of
respect in society, and in family in particular was judged by second
most common problem by 19.84% respondents.
27
2500
2000
2nd priority
1500
1000
500
0
Declini Lack of Lack of Psychol Lonelin Interpe Financi Legal Other
ng respect gainful ogical ess/isol rsonal al issues
health in engage issues ation proble proble
status family/ ment ms ms
society opport
unities
2nd priority 2011 1984 1815 1251 1240 512 466 411 310
For third most common problem, lack of respect in old age was given
priority by 907 respondents out of 5000 respondents, which was
ranked higher by the respondents against other common problems.
2000
1800
1600
1400 3rd priority
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
Lack of Lonelin Declini Psychol Lack of Financi Interpe Legal Other
respect ess/isol ng ogical gainful al rsonal issues
in ation health issues engage proble proble
family/ status ment ms ms
society opport
unities
3rd priority 1814 1654 1584 1554 1342 687 601 550 214
28
When respondents were

asked about special provision can't
of exclusive health for elderly say
in their area, it was found that Yes
only 15.2% respondents
claimed that some special Is there any
provisions for old age special provision of
healthcare exist. exclusive healthcare
facility for
In all, 83.2% respondents said elderly?
that in their area there are no No
special provisions for
exclusive healthcare facility
for older people.
When status of basic amenities like availability of electricity, water and

healthcare facility was tried to assessed, it was found that less than
half of the respondents (43.22%) were getting proper electricity supply.
Only 5.25% elderly were

getting 24-hrs water
supply in their houses, > 20 hrs 2161
while 19.3% respondents
said that in their area they
1526
get water supply for 2-5 15-20 hrs
hrs a day.
5-15 hrs 921
Almost every fourth
elderly respondent does
not get water supply for 377
<5 hrs
more than 2 hrs.
According to 78.5% elderly No electricity 16 Availability of

respondents there are 24- electric supply
hour emergency medical
facility is available in their
29
area. Approximately 1/3rd respondents admit that there are hospitals

available in their area, while only half of the respondents reportedly
said that dispensaries are available in their area.
3208 2259 1730 1078 1243 4838
3923 3757
No
3271 24 hrs 525
2741
Ye
1792 s
2-5
hrs a 1926
Availability of medical facilities 163 day
1-2
hours 2470
a day
No tap 80
water Availability of water supply
Human Rights of Older Persons
In all, 2/3rd respondents i.e. 65.2% elderly respondents claimed that

older persons face neglect in old age.
Kinds of mistreatment in old age Yes No Total

Neglect /Disrespect 3261 1740 5000
Elder Abuse 2705 2295 5000
Domestic violence (physical/verbal) 1691 3309 5000
Exploitation 1265 3736 5000
Any other form of crime 771 4230 5000
More than half (54.1%) respondents said that older persons suffer elder
abuse in their families/society.
30
Every third elderly claimed that elderly face domestic violence

(physical/verbal) in old age.
Every fourth elderly, i.e. 25.3% 5000

4500
elderly admit that older 4000
3500
persons are being exploited by 3000
their family members. 2500
2000
1500
In all, 89.7% respondents out of 1000
500
2705 respondents facing elder 0
Total
Yes
abuse reportedly said that
elderly face mistreatment in old
age mostly due to financial
reasons.
In all, 96.4% of elderly abused

respondents claimed that they
face mistreatment due to Harrassement in old age?
emotional factors.
In all, 67.5% of elderly abused respondents said that they face physical
elder abuse in general.
3000
2000
1000
0
Physical
Emotional
Economic
Physical Emotional Economic

Yes 1827 2608 2427
No 878 98 278
Nature of elder abuse, elderly generally face
31
According to 25% elderly

respondents younger Recreational facilities
2261
generations consider elderly available
family members as burden on
their family.
1129
Equal number of elderly (25%)
772 573
said that generation gap is the 656
main reason behind violation of
human rights of older persons
In all, 20% elderly respondents

admit that their younger family
members are unable to take
care of their elderly family
members.
In all, 45.2% elderly respondents

said that there are no recreational facilities available in their nearby
areas.
Most common reason

of elder abuse
In all, 36.9% elderly respondents said that they are diabetic.
32
In all, 36.5% respondents claimed that they face teeth problems.
In all, 35.6% elderly respondents said that they are suffering from limbs
related problems.
In all, 29.5% respondents found to be suffering from psychological

issues in old age.
5000
Other 1877
Total
1477 5000
Psychological
Yes
Backache 1137 5000
Heart related issues 1129 5000
Cataract 595 5000
Diabetes 1843 5000
Teeth 1827 5000
Limbs related 1771 5000
Eyes 527
5000
Ears 762
5000
Major ailments being faced by Elderly
33
IX. OBSERVATIONS
"I want to live on my own to avoid frequent neglect by my son, daughter-in-law

and grandchildren, but I have no regular income to feed myself and take care of
my other daily needs and medicines. Now this has become part of my life."
- Dayanand Sharma, 70, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi
"Old people of my age find it very difficult to adjust themselves in fast changing
modern society. This causes a lot of tension in our lives and younger
generations do not try to understand their elderly family members. They term
elderly people as conservative and consider them as burden on their respective
families." - Sunder Lal Meena, 80, Bikaner, Rajasthan
"After the death of my husband 2 years ago, I lost all kind of support from my
family members. My two elder sons denied taking care of me in old age, due to
space problem in their houses. At this age, my status in my own house is like a
maid servant and I have to cook food and wash clothes of my younger family
members. My son forced me to handover entire family pension. I have no
option but to submit for the sake of peaceful life in old age."
-Durga Shrivastava, 68, Ghatkopar, Mumbai
"I have to live in an old age home because of relentless family dispute between
my sons and daughters' families. My children are after my property and after
demise of my husband, some want their part in house and some want to sell
out property. At this age, when family support matters most, I am struggling in
old age home." - Sumati Vasudevan, 85, Chennai,
Tamil Nadu
34
X. CONCLUSIONS:
a. Elderly have no institutional care system and have to depend on
community care/ family care in India.
b. Suffering of elderly is directly proportional to the level of disadvantage
suffered by an elderly in terms of his/her placement in caste, class,
gender, regional/urban development, general medical handicap or
sickness.
c. Elderly women find no time for leisure or recreation and have lesser
possibilities than man to lead retired life.
d. Elderly suffer lack of emotional care and elder abuse more in urban
areas than rural areas.
The research though limited in coverage in terms of a national reach for
developing a macro-perspective, throws up vital leads regarding the patterns
of care essential for the elderly people, the trends of change as evident in
the structure and functioning of the family, social relations and social
networks that impinge upon the way in which social support is available to
the elderly in the community; adverse situations faced by the elderly and the
need for policy changes and institutional interventions to cater to the unmet
needs of the elderly. Qualitative research methods were used by a group of
experienced social scientists of very senior level in the discipline of sociology,
social work, psychology and anthropology to understand unique experiences
of some of the respondents. This has conclusively shown a need for a
paradigm shift in thinking with regard to the need of care services for the
elderly that need to be tailored to meet each individual’s needs in India and it
may be true of entire South Asia given the long historicity of cultural
similarities and legacy of colonial and other socio-political factors. This could
also be true for many traditional developing societies in different continents
of the world wherever similar socio-cultural, historical, political and
developmental economics is witnessed. A comprehensive care package that
35
includes promotional, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services is

essential for this expanding group of population; and suggests for newer
forms of services and program interventions by the government. Easy
accessibility, continuity and good quality of care only can earn respect and
satisfaction of the elderly.
*******
36
XI. REFERENCES:
1. Anderson, T.B. (1984). Widowhood as a life transition: Its impact on kinship ties.
Journal of Marriage and the Family, 46, 105–114.
2. Atchley, R. C. (1972). The social forces in later life: An introduction to social
gerontology. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
3. Cobb, S. (1982, February). An approach to the relationship between social networks,
the sense of social and health. Paper presented at the Sunbelt Social Networks
Conference, Phoenix, AZ
4. Comfort, A. (1964). Ageing: The Biology of Senescence. Routledge & Kegan Paul,
London.
5. Cumming, E., & Henry, W. E. (1961). Growing old: The process of disengagement.
New York: Basic Books.
6. Dean A., Kolody B. and Wood P. (1990). Effects of Social Support from Various
Sources on Depression in Elderly Persons. Journal of Health and Social Behavior. Vol.
31. No.2 pp. 148-161
7. Fiori Katherine L., Antonucci Toni C., and Cortina Kai S. (2006). Social Network
Typologies and Mental Health Among Older Adults. The Journals of Gerontology
Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences 61B, no. 1 (2006): p. 25-32.
8. Havighurst, R. J. (1963). Successful aging. In R. H. Williams, C.Tibbitts,&W. Donohue
(Eds.), Processes of aging: Social and psychological perspectives, (Vol. 1, pp. 299–
320). New York: Atherton.
9. Havighurst, R. J., Neugarten, B. L.,&Tobin, S. S. (1963). Disengagement, personality
and life satisfaction in the later years. In P. F. Hansen (Ed.), Age with a future (pp.
419–425). Copenhagen: Munksgaard.
10. Hirsh, B. J. (1981). Social networks and the coping process: Creating personal
communities. In B. Gottlieb (Ed.), Social networks and social support (pp. 149-170).
Bever- ly Hills, CA: Sage Publications
11. House, J. S. (1981). Work stress and social support. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
12. Irudaya Rajan, S., Mishra, US and Sarma, PS. (1999). India’s Elderly: Burden Or
Challenge? New Delhi: Sage Publications and London: Thousand Oaks.
13. Krause N. (1988). Stressful life events and physician utilization. J Gerontol. 1988;
43:53.
37
14. Lin, N., Simeone, R. S., Ensel, W. M., & Kuo, W. (1979). Social support, stressful life
events, and illness: A model and an empirical test. Journal of Health and Social
Behavior, 20, 108-119
15. Lopez-Otin, C., Blasco, M. A., Partridge, L., Serrano, M. & Kroemer, G. (2013). ‘The
hallmarks of Ageing’. Cell. 153: 1194–1217.
16. Malhotra, R., Chan, A. & Østbye T. (2010). Prevalence and correlates of clinically
significant depressive symptoms among elderly people in Sri Lanka: findings from a
national survey. Inter Psychogeriatr 22(2), 227–236.
17. Michael A. Counte and Gerald L. Glandon. (1991). A Panel Study of Life Stress, Social
Support, and the Health Services Utilization of Older Persons. Medical Care. Vol. 29,
No. 4 (Apr., 1991), pp. 348-361
18. Pilisuk M, Boylan R, Acredolo C. (1987). Social support, life stress, and subsequent
medical care utilization. Health Psychol. 6:273
19. Tiple P, Sharma SN, Srivastava AS. (2006). Psychiatric morbidity in geriatric people.
Indian J Psychiatry, 48:88–94.
38
39
Agewell Foundation
M-8A, Lajpat Nagar-II

New Delhi-110024, India
+9111-29836486, 29840484
[email protected]
40

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(In Special Consultative Status with the ECOSOC at United Nations since 2011)

-Associated NGO Status with UN-DPI-

HUMAN RIGHTS OF ELDERLY

RESEARCH & ADVOCACY CENTRE

M-8A, Lajpat Nagar-II,

Ii. Review of Literature …………………………………… 06

Iii. Conceptual Framework………………………………... 10

Iv. Aims & Objectives of the Study………………………… 12

Vi. Scope & Methodology……………………………………15

Vii. The Narrative of the Problem by this Study…………… 20

Viii. Major Findings………………………………………..… 23

- Human Rights of Older Persons…………………..... 30

HUMAN RIGHTS OF ELDERLY IN INDIA:

A Sociological Interpretation of Aging:

II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

their relatives, there was a significant discrepancy in objective and perceived

supportive behaviors or acts which he believes should be considered as

III. Conceptual Framework

16 Havighurst, R. J. (1963). Successful aging. In R. H. Williams, C.Tibbitts,&W. Donohue (Eds.), Processes

Aging is a complex process, and an attempt was made in the research to

IV. AIMS & Objectives of the Study

1. To undertake a socio-economic situational study of the elderly living

Major Ailments/ handicaps

Teeth Eyes Ears Limbs

In this light a qualitative study across India was undertaken to comprehend

VI. SCOPE & Methodology

Tools and techniques for data collection

Age-group-wise classification 60-70 71-80 81+ Total

Respondents: Age Group & Gender wise

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400

When respondents were classified area-wise, it was found that 2615

Area-wise classification 60-70 71-80 81+ Total

81+ Rural elderly Urban elderly

Elderly respondents : Urban-Rural distribution

Elderly respondents Respondents % age

60-70 71-80 81+

In all, approximately 61% elderly respondents (70.9% elderly

In all, 26% elderly respondents (23% elderly respondents in rural areas

Only 4% elderly respondents were from upper-middle/upper income

Rs. 10- > Rs. < Rs. 5k Rs. 5-10k

A guide for using ethnographic research method (salvage ethnographical

interactions, physical conditions where the elderly are living, day-long

VII. THE NARRATIVE OF THE PROBLEM

than that elderly women suffer double jeopardy as in traditional societies

As a consequence of the multi-dimensionality of the issues that senior

VIII. MAJOR FINDINGS:

In all, 19.2% elderly respondents,

When elderly respondents were 2001

approx. In all, around 2/3rd

Approximately 1/3rd elderly respondents (32.8%) said that younger

3262 Younger generation prefers to stay

Alone With parents only With joint family

Only 1.9% respondents express their observations that younger

elderly and 60.8% 561

Overall only 12.6%

In rural areas approximately, every fifth elderly said that younger

In all, 41.6% respondents said that they belong to unorganized sector

In all, 33.14% respondents