No city for old men,and women

Of the 53 mega cities,Mumbai seems to have the worst support system for retired persons

Of the 53 mega cities,Mumbai seems to have the worst support system for retired persons. According to NCRB data for 2012,44 retired persons,including two women,committed suicide. This is almost twice the next highest figure 24 in Bangalore.

The city also recorded the highest number accidental deaths involving persons over 60 years of age (1,416). Of these,1,036 were men and 380 women. Delhi,with 680 such cases,is the second worst. Of the total suicides across age groups,78 victims were senior citizens.

Prakash Borgaonkar,director of HelpAge India (western circle),said the figures depict the citys reality. According to an April- May 2013 Helpage India survey across the country,one out of five elderly persons in Mumbai faces elder abuse and is neglected by their family.

Commenting on NCRB data,Borgaonkar said,A large number of senior citizens in the city is living alone,without support from their kin. This can lead to depression among them. In the past surveys,many admitted to feeling neglected.

According to him,financial dependence,neglect and prolonged illness are the major concerns for those over 60. The survey found that only two per cent of the respondents knew about the existence of Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act,2007. We tell senior citizens to register themselves with an association,NGO or police, added Borgaonkar.

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