Concerned with the rise in crime against senior citizens in the city, the Maharashtra United Nations Association (Muna) has exhorted Mumbaikars to take care of their aged. In an event organised on World Health Organization’s International Day of the Old that was observed on April 7, Muna officials said that while there is already a law for the welfare of the aged, they would request the government to strengthen it to ensure the safety of the old.
MUNA general secretary A.A. Sayed said ageing in India today is treated like a disease and families either abandon their old or mistreat them. “Indian culture has always taught that elders should be held in high esteem, but in today’s world, children treat their ageing parents like a burden. The elderly thus become easy victims of anti-social elements,” Mr Sayed said, adding that Mumbai sees at least one fatal crime against senior citizens every week.
Director, United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan, New Delhi, Kiran Mehra Kerpelman said the elderly also must take care of themselves. “Staying healthy is the best way to spend the twilight years. The aged should pay attention to their health even more after crossing 60,” she said.
Muna’s youth wing put up a play highlighting the current state of the aged in our society. “The play sends out a message that the laws for the welfare of the elderly need to be implemented strictly. We will write to the governor and the state government on this,” said advocate Ashraf Ahmed, president, Muna youth wing.