Experts stress importance of early identification of elder abuse signs

Educational handouts on forms of elder abuse were distributed during observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day hosted at Jipmer recently.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The importance of early identification of signs of elder abuse was stressed during a day-long programme organised by the Department of Geriatric Medicine, Jipmer and Help Age India, in connection with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025 recently.

According to a press note, the 2025 edition of the observance, themed, “Be Bold: Age with Attitude,” aimed at sensitising the senior citizens, public and caregivers to the growing concern of elder abuse and the importance of prevention, reporting, and offering legal protection.

G. Venugopalan, Associate Professor, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Jipmer, who elaborated on the forms of elder abuse and risk factors, stressed the need for early identification and timely intervention.

Fromsi Lukose, Social Service Officer, focused on various prevention strategies and highlighted the role of families, caregivers, and society in creating a safe and respectful environment for the elderly. She also stressed the importance of empowering older persons to speak up and seek help when needed.

Addressing a session on legal aspects and social protection of elders, Venugopal Ramalingam, Director, HelpAge India, Puducherry and Cuddalore, outlined the several legal provisions and support systems available for protection of the elderly and urged stakeholders to utilise them effectively.

As part of the programme, educational handouts were distributed to promote awareness on elder abuse prevention and the helpline 14567. The pamphlets illustrated the various ways in which the problem manifests — physical harm, emotional harassment, deprivation, verbal and nonverbal abuse causing mental distress, and financial or sexual forms of abuse. Among the typical signs of elder abuse are unexplained injuries or bruises, changes in behaviour or mood, financial distress, poor hygiene or nutrition and isolation from friends and family. Victims were also urged to report instances of abuse to doctors, social workers, or NGOs.

Around 80 elderly people and their caregivers benefited from the event, the press note said.