According to Cherian, the government should implement universal pension and health insurance. "Only then will the situation of elders who are 60-plus be better," Cherian said.
The HelpAge report also said that around 62 percent elderly felt that children needed to be sensitised to prevent elder abuse and the inter-generational bonding strengthened. However, 38 percent felt that only economic independence would solve the problem.
The activist added that the government had to increase more health insurance packages which are tailor-made for people who can only afford low premiums.
The report says that Madhya Pradesh tops elder abuse cases with 77.12 percent. This is followed by Assam - 60.55 percent, Uttar Pradesh - 52 percent, Gujarat - 42.97 percent, and the lowest is Rajasthan - 1.6 percent. The national capital, including the National Capital Region (NCR), has 29.82 percent cases.
Of those interviewed in Delhi and NCR, 30 percent admitted to facing abuse. The primary perpetrators of abuse were sons in 60 percent cases, followed by daughters-in-law in 24 percent cases.
