Helpage India Organises Awareness Drive in Shimla Ahead of World Elder Abuse Day
Speakers Raise Alarm on Rising Neglect, Urge Stronger Support for Seniors
Shimla, June 14
Helpage India, organised a special awareness programme on elder abuse in Shimla today — a day ahead of the globally marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day observed every year on June 15.
The event was preponed due to the upcoming weekend holiday.
Adressing the gathering D.K. Manta, member MNREGA Ombudsman, said, “Though World Elder Abuse Awareness Day falls on June 15, we chose to observe it today so that maximum participation could be ensured.
"Elder abuse is not just physical or financial — it's emotional too, and largely invisible.”
Citing growing concerns, Manta stressed that cases of neglect and emotional trauma among the elderly have been silently rising in Himachal Pradesh too, especially post-COVID, with many seniors left to fend for themselves.
Also present at the event was Shri Tikender Panwar, former Deputy Mayor of Shimla, who urged the government and society to wake up to the crisis.
“Shimla and other towns of Himachal are seeing a demographic shift. As the younger generation migrates out for work, our elders are becoming more vulnerable to loneliness, neglect, and abuse — even within families.”
Director Social Welfare Department Sumeet Khimta gave an overview of the state government’s old age home care facilities to elders and destitutes.
Helpage India volunteers shared case studies and support helpline details. As per Helpage’s recent "Elder Abuse in India" report:
1 in 2 elders surveyed in India reported facing abuse, mainly from their own sons and daughters-in-law.
Emotional abuse is the most common form, followed by neglect and financial exploitation.
In urban Himachal towns, growing isolation and lack of geriatric care remain key concerns.
Local administration officials and community members took part in an open dialogue, sharing ground realities and suggesting that elder care must become a community-led movement.
Helpage India also plans to organise door-to-door awareness campaigns and counselling sessions for families with elderly members in the coming weeks.
The programme concluded with a pledge to treat elders with dignity, empathy, and care.
#ElderAbuseAwareness #HelpageIndia #ShimlaNews #WorldElderAbuseDay
