Nuclear Family System Due To Westernization Has Disrupted Traditional Living Arrangements Of Elderly: Justice Arun Mishra

The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Justice Arun Mishra delivered a message on Wednesday on the occasion of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2022.

In his message, Justice Mishra has said that "The Indian traditional society with its concept of joint family system was a strong pillar in ensuring the security and well-being of the older persons. However, the modernization and westernization of the society has paved way for individualistic thinking giving rise to the nuclear family system. This has resulted into disruption of our traditional living arrangements of older persons."

The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is commemorated each year on June 15, to highlight the issue of elder abuse which is one of the worst manifestations of ageism, and to promote a better understanding of the challenges faced by the older persons, irrespective of their social, cultural, economic and demographic identities.

As per the message, this year's theme is focused on Digital Equity for All Ages since digital inclusion is a big challenge for older persons as not having easy access and the requisite skill to participate in the digital world put the older asset of the nation on the back foot.

Justice Mishra has said that the COVID-19 pandemic has particularly impacted older people. "The NHRC had issued an Advisory to the Centre, States and UT Administrations to address the issues concerning the older persons", the message says.

"The Article 41 of the Indian Constitution mandates the policy makers to provide public assistance in case of old age. Further, Article 46 calls for promoting special care for the weaker sections of society (including older persons) to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation" it says. 

"On behalf of the Commission, I call upon all the stakeholders to work towards ensuring inclusive policies, strategies and take actions in all possible manner to achieve digital inclusion of all older persons which, I am sure, will enhance their quality of life and social well-being" Justice Arun Mishra has said in the message.