In Pictures

In pictures: The agony of the aged

International Day for the Elderly on October 1 is meant to be a tribute for those who lived life as it came.

Nearing 60, Gopa Basu is unmarried. An ever-smiling woman with some mental disability, she has an elder brother who pays the monthly fee at Ramthakur Old Age Home in Kolkata, India.

October 1 is observed every year by the United Nations as the Day for the Elderly to remember the millions worldwide in the autumn of their lives.

It’s meant to be a tribute for those who lived life as it came and never gave up – a rare opportunity to spare a thought for those now infirm, having weathered many a storm in the past.

Estimates suggest the world is teeming with the aged: currently their number stands at 605 million. In another 50 years, there will be 2 billion of them.

Many are in comfortable retirement. But an equal number, if not more, face daunting challenges. Some are destitute. Others have been forsaken by their family and friends.

As Ban Ki-moon, the UN secretary-general, reminded last year: “In the current fiscal environment, we must be vigilant in ensuring that the provision of social protection, long-time care and access to public health for the elderly is not undermined… I call upon governments and communities everywhere to provide more opportunities for their ageing populations.”

But such noble words, however, often find little resonance in the real world.

In India, for example, a survey by HelpAge India suggests that 31 per cent of the country’s elderly population have faced some form of abuse in their advanced age.

Old-age homes often offer a haven for those who are vulnerable and lonely.

The Ramthakur Home in the eastern city of Kolkata provides a glimpse into the world of elders.

Manju Das, in her 60s, is also unmarried. Her sister often drops by at the old age home.

Gautam Basu, has no contact with his son.

Anjali Pali, who is in her 80s,talks about old times to anyone she meets passing by.

Sonu as they call her, has Down syndrome. Her mother adopted a boy many years ago and after she died,her adopted son started physically assaulting Sonu. Later, her neighbours took charge of her

Binapani Chakravarthy is in her mid-80s and her grandson and his wife visit her at times.

Kalayani Ghosh is at her mid-60s. Her sister looks after her