Why Should We Be Concerned? Alarmingly Increasing Crime Rate
“No matter who comes to power, the crimes never stop.” The adage is quite true to India as well, as the country continues to struggle to get a grip on an ever-increasing crime rate, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. One of the worst affected by the increase in crimes are seniors as they are soft targets for perpetrators.
The Rise of the Nuclear Family System
A new dawn is upon us as we move away from the traditional joint family system. During the yesteryears, the elders in the family used to have constant support of a number of family members, but that was then. Most people these days have nuclear families, and once their kids leave the nest, they are usually on their own.
A Sharp Increase in the Number of Elders in Urban Areas
Rapid urbanization in India over the last decade or so has facilitated the migration of a large number of people from rural to urban areas. As a result, from 1961 to 2011, the number of elederly persons in rural areas grew about three times – from 21 million to 71 million – whereas the number in urban areas grew more than 10x – from 3.7 to 30.6. Comment – Share recent data. This data is of 2011.
Notable Increase in Immigration
Despite the phenomenal growth that India has achieved on all conceivable fronts during the last couple of decades, an increasing number of Indians continue to leave their motherland, looking for better income and lifestyle. While people’s decision to move to a better land may not be questioned, their parents are the ones who are left behind with no one to turn to.
What Needs Be Done?
Increased Attention – A constant support system that provides the much-needed dedicated care and attention an elderly person deserves and needs. Health Monitoring – Keeping a close eye on the overall health of seniors, to help minimize the possibility of potential issues and effective management of existing ones. Emergency Support – Emergencies usually come like a thief in the night, which is why it is essential for elderly people to have a reliable emergency support system. Customized Living Spaces – The place where an elderly person lives must be thoroughly audited and customized to suit their needs. Activities & Engagement – It is extremely important that elders engage with other people and partake in activities that can help prevent age-related disorders. While Indian economy is booming, we are still far from tying all the loose ends in the sphere of elder care provisions. Reimagining eldercare and its prevalent norms in the country, Emoha Elder Care offers a comprehensive continuum of care services specially tailored to suit the specific needs of your elderly loved ones. Whether you need an emergency response system to cover for you while you are away from your elderly loved ones, or need professional assistance to care for an individual, we have got you covered. To learn more about our elder care services and plans, fill out our contact form or call 1800-123-445555. You can also write to us at eldersfirst@emoha.com.
A note on the figures
The projections quoted above are from reports published in 2020. Newer estimates exist, so treat the numbers as a direction, not an exact count: India's older population is growing fast, and more older adults live without a child at home.
What this means for a family
Seniors living alone or with only a spouse face two main risks: a health emergency with no one to notice, and fraud or crime. Both can be reduced.
- Install an alert: a pendant, a fall-detection watch or a door sensor tells family when something is wrong; see fall detection watches.
- Secure the home: good locks, a door viewer, a chain and a key safe for emergency access; see lock and door safety for seniors.
- Know the visitors: keep a list of trusted help, and verify any stranger who comes for repairs or services.
- Teach phone and online safety; see preventing scams and doorstep fraud.
- Build a local circle: neighbours, a society office, a regular helper and a nearby relative.
- Arrange daily contact: a call at a fixed time, and a plan if it is missed.
When to ask a professional
A care advisor can set up devices, daily check-ins and an emergency plan, and the local police station or society can advise on security; see emergency plan for seniors.
Equipment mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked questions
Are older people really at higher risk of crime?
They are often targeted for fraud and theft because they live alone and trust callers. Simple precautions reduce the risk.
What is the most important safety device for a parent living alone?
An alert pendant or fall-detection device that reaches family quickly, together with regular contact.
How can I check on a parent from another city?
With daily calls, a local helper, door sensors and periodic visits.
Is a key safe secure?
A good one is, if the code is shared only with trusted people and changed from time to time.
Sources and further reading
- United Nations Population Fund and HelpAge India, India Ageing Report
- Ministry of Home Affairs, India, National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
- National Crime Records Bureau, India, annual reports
Tags: ageing population Indiasenior safetyliving alonehome securitySafety and alert devicesEmergency pendantDoor and motion sensorKey safeHealthy ageingElder care
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor before changing your exercise, diet or medicines.
