A significant 74 per cent elderly witnessed abuse in society, out of which 12 per cent were themselves victims of it. Unfortunately, in a majority of cases, the abusers were their near and dear ones, i.e. sons and their daughters-in-law.

Elder abuse can be defined as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person”.

“Sons (35 per cent) and daughters-in-law (44 per cent) were named as the biggest perpetrators of abuse by the elders,” says a recent study conducted by the NGO HelpAge India even as it noted that 83 per cent of the elderly stated that they 'stopped talking to family' while 52 per cent of the elderly said that their income was adequate, while 48 per cent said it was inadequate.

The report, which was released on Tuesday, focuses on the serious social problem considered mostly a private matter. It also talks about the financial status of the elderly, reflecting their social security. It found that the elders, during their sunset years, were dependent on others.

"In Delhi, 57 per cent of the elderly are dependent on their family, while 63 per cent depend upon pensions and cash transfers. It means that a large number of elders in Delhi have both – family as well as pension support." Rohit Prasad, CEO, HelpAge India, said the report is a dip-stick study to understand overarching gaps in income and employment in old age, health and wellbeing, elder abuse and safety and social and digital inclusion of the elderly. It is based on a sample size of 4,399 elder respondents and 2,200 young adult caregivers across 22 cities in India. Talking about their financial position, the report said that in Delhi, 87 per cent of the elders are not working, even as 40 per cent say they have access to employment opportunities.

The study reveals that 44 per cent of Delhi elders are willing to work after their retirement. Similarly, 52 per cent of the elderly say that their income is adequate, while 48 per cent say it is inadequate. Overall about 71 per cent elders say they have financial security. There are key aspirations that the elderly have cited that are needed to create an enabling environment for employment opportunities for them.

While 45 per cent suggested 'work from home' as the best means, 34 per cent have asked for 'more respect to be given to the working elderly' and 29 per cent have asked for 'increase in retirement age' and 'jobs exclusively for elderly'. "It is time for Government to act on its promise of supporting and strengthening family structure, to take better care of elderly. The insurance sector and schemes - both Government and private - need to better address  health insurance needs of elderly. It's time for employers to take off their ageist glasses and give elderly a chance to prove their mettle," said Anupama Datta, head (policy and research) at HelpAge India.