Twilight zone

Twilight zone
Sharmishta Koushik


It’s widely agreed that Pensioners’ Paradise tag of Bangalore has been cast aside like 386 computers of yore. Bangalore certainly has become a ‘playground for the young and youthful’, as G K Karanth, Professor of Sociology, Institute of Social and Economic Change puts it. “The bus stations, railway stations and other public spaces aren’t designed keeping the elderly in mind,’’ says Karanth.
Dr Radha Murthy, managing trustee, Nightingale Medical Trust, cites influx of multinational companies for creating an inhospitable environment for the old. “The cost of living is escalating compared to other cities,’’ she points out. “It’s beyond the reach of a pensioner,’’ adds Karanth.
“With the impact of globalisation felt more in this city, the age-old joint family system is fast fading away resulting in elders having to fend for themselves. The changes have also weakened the traditional strong neighbourhood,’’ she says.
In this scenario, old age homes are an option. Some go there due to lack of security and adequate support systems. But as the complaints at Elders helpline, initiated by Nightingale Medical Trust, indicate, they face problems of another kind here. “At Elders’ Helpline, we receive several complaints from inmates against the managements. After visiting two old age homes, we found the managements have almost abandoned the elders,’’ says Dr Radha.
Their findings reveal shocking statistics. A whopping 41% of the complaints they receive are on harassment by family members, while 22% are on individuals cheating or harassing them. It’s instances like these that have propelled the Elders Helpline into action. They have currently drafted a Bill to protect the interests of senior citizens. “Unlike developed countries, India still doesn’t have legislation to protect the rights and interests of the elderly. Keeping this in view we have
prepared a draft legislation and presented it to both central and state governments,” says Dr Radha.
The legislation amongst other things covers instituting welfare schemes, affirmative action and even the appointment of a chief commissioner exclusively for senior citizens. But currently, it is languishing in the department concerned. Dr Radha says, “The Bill has been sent to the state social welfare department and is still lying there.’’ Fortunately, the Union Cabinet has passed the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens’ Bill. Dr Radha considers this Bill a ‘significant step’. She exults, “In a country where elder care has not been developed yet as required, this Bill is timely and provides the long awaited legal protection to elders who are abused by their children.’’
Paradise Regained: The Pensioners’ Paradise tag can’t be RIPed as yet. The IT boom is, in a way, bringing senior citizens into the city. Only they throng Bangalore not to retire peacefully in the salubrious climes but rather to spend the remainder of their days with their children, who lead prosperous lives in the boom town that Bangalore is today. Dr Shrikala Bharath, additional professor, Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, believes that such people have a better sense of well-being. “Since they take care of their grandchildren, they feel they have a purpose in life,’’ she says.
Further, she says it’s only the middleaged old-time Bangaloreans and senior citizens who still have to fend for themselves that find it difficult to negotiate with the city’s changes, for they still have to contend with the maddening traffic and pollution on city roads.
However, Dr Radha Murthy is sceptical. “Professionals are away from the home most of the time. But if the grandparents in the home are not physically fit, then it would difficult for them to care for their grandchildren.’’