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Elders Pledge: 2,000 Unite for Respect
15 Jun
Summary
- 2,000 people took pledge for elder respect in Erode.
- Updated booklet on respecting elders was released.
- Elder abuse includes physical, verbal, and financial harm.
On June 10, in Erode, approximately 2,000 people, comprising students and the general public, took part in a pledge-taking ceremony organized by the Dr. V.S. Natarajan Geriatric Foundation. This event, held shortly before World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, aimed to foster respect for elders.
During the ceremony, an updated version of the 'Let Us Respect Elders' booklet was released. The event underscored the growing issues of loneliness and isolation among senior citizens due to changing societal structures, which can negatively impact their mental health. Elder abuse was defined as any harmful act or omission towards an older person, encompassing physical, verbal, psychological, financial, and sexual forms, as well as neglect.
Founder and chairman V.S. Natarajan emphasized that family and societal changes contribute to seniors' isolation. He also highlighted that elder abuse can stem from factors like caregiver stress and financial burdens within families. The foundation suggested public education, respite care, social connections, and counseling as key strategies to combat elder abuse.
