Problems senior citizens face in Bengaluru and how their children should support them

Bengaluru, once known as the Pensioners' Paradise, is no longer a friendly city for the elderly. The senior citizens in Bengaluru face various problems such as health issues, financial insecurity, social isolation, abuse and neglect, lack of access to services, and safety concerns. These problems affect their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and reduce their quality of life. Here are some of the major problems that old age senior citizens face in Bengaluru and how their children should help them to overcome those problems:

Health Issues

The elderly are more prone to chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, which require regular medication and care. They also face mobility issues, disability, and cognitive decline. Many of them do not have health insurance or adequate savings to afford quality healthcare. They may also face difficulties in accessing healthcare facilities due to lack of transport or awareness.

How children can help:

- Children should ensure that their elderly parents have health insurance or adequate savings to cover their medical expenses. They should also help them in availing government schemes or subsidies for senior citizens.
- Children should accompany their elderly parents to regular health check-ups and follow-ups. They should also monitor their medication and diet, and help them in managing their chronic conditions.
- Children should provide their elderly parents with assistive devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc., if needed. They should also make their homes elder-friendly by installing grab bars, ramps, etc.
- Children should encourage their elderly parents to exercise regularly and engage in physical activities that suit their abilities. They should also help them in maintaining their mental health by providing emotional support and counseling.

Financial Insecurity

Many senior citizens in Bengaluru do not have a regular source of income or pension. They may depend on their children or relatives for financial support. Some of them may still work to earn a living, but face discrimination or exploitation in the labour market. They may also face difficulties in accessing their bank accounts or pension schemes due to lack of digital literacy or documentation.

How children can help:

- Children should provide their elderly parents with adequate financial support or allowance to meet their basic needs. They should also help them in saving or investing their money wisely.
- Children should help their elderly parents in accessing their bank accounts or pension schemes by providing them with digital literacy or documentation support. They should also protect them from frauds or scams that target senior citizens.
- Children should respect their elderly parents' financial autonomy and dignity. They should not misuse or misappropriate their money or property. They should also involve them in financial decisions that affect them.
- Children should encourage their elderly parents to pursue their hobbies or interests that can generate income or satisfaction for them. They should also support them in finding suitable employment opportunities if they wish to work.

Social Isolation

Many senior citizens in Bengaluru live alone or away from their children or relatives. They may feel lonely or depressed due to lack of social interaction or support. They may also face stigma or discrimination from society due to their age or health status. They may not have access to recreational or cultural activities that can enrich their lives.

How children can help:

- Children should visit their elderly parents regularly and keep in touch with them through phone calls or video calls. They should also involve them in family gatherings or events.
- Children should encourage their elderly parents to join senior citizen clubs or associations that can provide them with social interaction and support. They should also help them in participating in recreational or cultural activities that suit their interests and abilities.
- Children should respect their elderly parents' social preferences and choices. They should not force them to socialize with people they do not like or trust. They should also defend them from stigma or discrimination from society.
- Children should acknowledge their elderly parents' contributions and achievements. They should also appreciate their wisdom and experience, and learn from them.

Abuse and Neglect

Some senior citizens in Bengaluru face abuse and neglect from their own family members or caregivers. They may be subjected to physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse, or abandonment. They may not be able to report or resist the abuse due to fear, shame, dependency, or lack of awareness.

How children can help:

- Children should protect their elderly parents from abuse and neglect by providing them with a safe and comfortable environment. They should also monitor the behavior of their caregivers or relatives who interact with them.
- Children should educate themselves and their elderly parents about the signs and types of elder abuse, and the laws and helplines that can help them. They should also empower them to report or resist the abuse if they face it.
- Children should treat their elderly parents with respect and kindness. They should not abuse or neglect them in any way. They should also intervene if they witness or suspect any abuse or neglect of their elderly parents by others.
- Children should provide their elderly parents with legal and psychological support if they are victims of abuse or neglect. They should also help them in healing and recovering from the trauma.

Lack of Access to Services

Many senior citizens in Bengaluru do not have access to essential services such as transport, sanitation, water, electricity, etc. They may face difficulties in commuting to places due to lack of public transport or accessibility. They may also face problems in availing civic amenities such as garbage disposal, water supply, power supply, etc. due to lack of infrastructure or governance.

How children can help:

- Children should help their elderly parents in accessing essential services such as transport, sanitation, water, electricity, etc. by providing them with personal transport or assistance, or arranging for alternative sources or solutions.
- Children should help their elderly parents in availing civic amenities such as garbage disposal, water supply, power supply, etc. by contacting the concerned authorities or agencies, or filing complaints or petitions.
- Children should advocate for their elderly parents' rights and entitlements to essential services and civic amenities by raising awareness or participating in campaigns or movements.
- Children should support their elderly parents in coping with the challenges or hardships caused by the lack of access to services or amenities by providing them with emotional or material support.

Safety Concerns

Many senior citizens in Bengaluru face safety concerns due to the increasing crime rate and violence in the city. They may be vulnerable to theft, robbery, assault, or murder. They may also face accidents or disasters due to natural or man-made causes. They may not have adequate security or protection measures in place to prevent or deal with such situations.

How children can help:

- Children should help their elderly parents in ensuring their safety and security by installing locks, alarms, cameras, etc. in their homes or premises. They should also provide them with emergency contacts or devices that they can use in case of trouble.
- Children should help their elderly parents in avoiding risky situations or places by advising them on the dos and don'ts of personal safety. They should also accompany them or arrange for escorts when they go out.
- Children should help their elderly parents in responding to emergencies or crises by providing them with first aid kits, fire extinguishers, etc. They should also train them on how to use them or seek help.
- Children should help their elderly parents in recovering from injuries or losses caused by accidents or crimes by providing them with medical, legal, financial, or psychological support. They should also help them in seeking justice or compensation if applicable.