Page 5 - Seniorstoday August-2023 Issue

Publisher’s Note

The Distressing Reality of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is not uncommon. Circumstances force to recognise than physical abuse, so it’s important
parents to live with their children under one roof. to know the signs. Remember that regardless
Sometimes two or three families live together i.e. of what your abuser has led you to believe, you
parents, two sons, their wives and their children. deserve to be treated well — and no one deserves to
There is so much push and pull and friction in the be abused. Least of all by your kids who you have
relationship that rarely do families live together so lovingly brought up.
in peace. Money is often the root cause of their The important thing is to have friends with whom
problems… who contributes how much to running one can talk about the situations. Sometimes
the house. Space is another issue, small little issues abuse can fog the mind and one is not clear as to
get exaggerated and blown out of proportion. On how to deal with the situation. The fact is that the
the other hand, if parents have the money then situations are the same in many households, only
everybody is nice to them in the hope that they will the players are different. Talking to each other can
be a part of the Will. provide emotional relief and also solutions. The
In India, we have no social security and are most important factor is to have your own money
dependent on our children in our old age. What do and not get dependent on your kids. If you have the
you do if you are experiencing abuse? If you feel money you call the shots. As the old saying goes: “Jo
like you’re being mentally or emotionally abused, kare rupaiyya, Na Behen kare na Bhaiya”.
it’s important to consider leaving the situation
or the relationship, seeking counseling and
surrounding yourself with people who are healthy
for your self-esteem and mental health. It’s also
important to be aware that emotional or mental
abuse can also be a gateway to physical abuse. Vickram Sethi
Emotional and mental abuse can be more difficult Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #50 | AUGUST 2023 3