I was pained to read a news item “in spite of law, old parents are left to fend for themselves.” One Mrs Sheela Rani, 75, was found reading scriptures, in her room, in an old age home.  Her room is equipped with a wall-mounted shrine, pictures of deities hanging on walls, utensils and few boxes, of biscuits, and other eatables --all crammed in a room. The only way to pass her time is reading books on scriptures etc. It is mentioned that Mrs Rani who has son and two daughters, has been living away from her children for the past 13 years. When asked she replied that the reasons for her being there can be inferred easily, and she was reluctant to speak the truth, but on persuasion it seems she said that “had my husband been alive, I would have still been at home, with my grand children around me” she lamented. She added that her husband died 26 years ago, and her equation with her son and his wife had not been the same thereafter.

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior citizens Act 2007 makes it legal obligation for children and heirs to provide maintenance to parents by giving monthly allowance, which includes Food, clothing, residence, and medical attendance, treatment etc. When asked why she doesn’t file a case , she replied that a mother doesn’t fight, with her own children.

Sanyasa (renunciation) is the most apathetic stage in life disabling the aged with ailments, pains and sufferings.They need proper health care system, which is in a vulnerable position. Governments turn Nelson’s eye to the shelter homes for the aged as 64% of the present generation of youngsters are brutally kicking them out, as per one report.  Government needs to build “Homes for the aged” charging nominal fee. As per latest CII report India’s elderly population, is expected to reach 300 millions by 2050 from 104 millions at present, accounting for18% of the total population. To put it proper perspective, India’s population of 60+ is already equal to the entire population of Mexico, and Russia and by 2050 it may be close to the whole population of US.  Our population of 80+ age group will itself be equal to Belgium, or Greece. This is both an opportunity and a challenge. As it is, the senior care is in its nascent stage, and obviously there is need for Centre to create a Ministry for Elders care, in my view. If you read Bhagavatam (Dasamaskanda) it is mentioned that if we ill-treat elder people it will destroy our fame, wealth, lifespan, and well being.