In India, a growing number of elderly people are being abandoned by their families, left to fend for themselves in streets, hospitals, and temples. This reality is starkly evident at places like the Saint Hardyal Educational and Orphans Welfare Society (SHEOWS), a shelter that houses about 320 abandoned seniors in Garhmukteshwar, a small city in northern India.
Traditionally, Indian culture reveres the elderly, emphasizing the duty of children to care for aging parents. Multigenerational living is common, and nursing homes are rare. However, expanding lifespans and rapid urbanization have placed immense pressure on families. As younger generations move to cities and adopt Western lifestyles, traditional family structures are strained. Many elderly are left without support as financial pressures mount and familial bonds weaken.
Many of those who find refuge in SHEOWS have heartbreaking stories. Amirchand Sharma, a 65-year-old retired policeman, was abandoned by his sons after an accident left him incapacitated. Rajhu Phooljale, once a cook, was deserted by his family after an accident left him blind and unable to work. For two days, he wandered the grounds of a hospital in New Delhi before SHEOWS rescued him.
Such stories are not uncommon. Some elders, like Phooljale, have been left in unfamiliar places, struggling to survive in a society that once revered them. Court cases against children for abandonment are numerous, yet many elderly lack the resources or knowledge to pursue legal action.
Organizations like SHEOWS have become lifelines for the elderly, providing shelter, food, and care. Despite the cultural taboo against placing elders in homes, these shelters are growing in number due to increasing demand. The residents often suffer from declining health, dementia, and mental illness. Many have outlived their spouses, leaving them vulnerable and alone.
SHEOWS operates several shelters across India, offering a communal living environment where the elderly can find solace and companionship. The staff act as surrogate families, providing care and support in a world where many have been forgotten. Despite the dire circumstances, a sense of community emerges among residents, who form friendships and find comfort in their shared experiences.
India’s burgeoning elderly population poses a significant challenge. By 2050, two-thirds of the world's elderly will reside in developing countries like India. While economic growth has lifted millions out of poverty, it has also deepened inequalities, leaving many older Indians without pensions or government support.
SHEOWS and similar organizations are trying to fill this gap, often supported by philanthropists. However, the need continues to outpace resources as more elderly people are abandoned.
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, enacted in 2007, mandates that children provide for their elderly parents. However, awareness and enforcement are limited, and many seniors are reluctant to take legal action against their families. The Indian government has not provided comprehensive data on the act's implementation, highlighting a gap between policy and practice.
Despite the challenges, residents of shelters like SHEOWS find a measure of peace. They participate in daily routines, share meals, and engage in prayer. Many accept their circumstances, finding comfort in the community that forms within the shelter's walls.
Most residents remain until the end of their lives, with their final moments marked by the quiet dignity provided by the shelter. The staff conducts traditional last rites for those who pass away, ensuring that even in death, they are not forgotten.
India's growing issue of elderly abandonment is a complex challenge rooted in cultural, economic, and social changes. As the nation grapples with these shifts, shelters like SHEOWS play a crucial role in providing care and dignity to those who have been cast aside. The stories of the abandoned elderly serve as a reminder of the need for compassion and support in a rapidly changing world.