It was heartbreaking to watch the viral video of an elderly man being brutally beaten by his own son and daughter-in-law. Thankfully, his injuries were not life-threatening, but the incident has shocked and saddened many. Old age is a stage of life when parents deserve love, care and respect from their children. After spending their younger years working hard and making sacrifices to raise their families, they should not have to face neglect or abuse when they are at their most vulnerable.
Such cruel treatment of elderly parents is unacceptable. It calls for serious introspection by families and society as a whole. Every senior citizen deserves to live with dignity, security and affection, not fear and suffering at the hands of their own children. The law also provides protection. Under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, children have a legal duty to care for and maintain their parents. Senior citizens can approach the Senior Citizens Tribunal to seek maintenance and even the eviction of abusive children from their property where applicable.
Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical violence, financial exploitation such as stealing pensions or taking control of money, denying medicines, neglecting basic care, or leaving elderly parents alone for long periods. As parents become more dependent with age, some children resent the responsibility, especially if they are under financial or emotional stress. However, these pressures can never justify abuse or neglect. While old age homes may be necessary in some situations, they should never become a convenient way for families to avoid their responsibility. What most elderly people seek in their final years is not luxury, but love, compassion and the reassurance that they are valued by those they cared for throughout their lives.
Ashley Noronha, Fatorda
