As many as 22.8 per cent senior citizens are regularly abused in Kolkata, followed by Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi and other cities, states the survey.

“As many as 44 per cent elders consider neglect as a form of abuse and, of these 33.7 per cent say they face neglect. The main reasons for abuse are property (35.4 per cent cases), followed by a lack of emotional support (30.2 per cent),” says Sushmita Ghosh, regional director east, HelpAge India.

On the reasons for abuse, sociologist Prashanta Roy says: “In sociological terms, we call these people dependency burden. The vulnerability (of senior citizens) increases as one moves down the economic strata where the elderly do not have adequate savings.”

Roy adds: “While the Centre recently considered introducing a separate ministry for the welfare of senior citizens, it is most disheartening to see that in most cases the elderly are not aware of their rights. Some laws like Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (2007) make it mandatory for children to take responsibility of their parents.”

City-based geriatric specialist P K Povaiyya sees the lack of education as a reason for abuse. “Violence and abuse towards the elderly is rampant. More than socio-economic reasons, it is the lack of education and awareness that causes most cases of abuse,” says Povaiyya.

The survey also points out that even when abused, most parents prefer not taking their personal issues to court.