Senior citizens group is projected to comprise 18% per cent of India’s total population by 2025. There are statutory provisions for maintenance of parents under Hindu personal law, and similar laws for other religions. Under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 it is a legal obligation for an heir or children to provide a monthly allowance to her parents as maintenance.

Unfortunately a large part of the population is unaware of them. This results in abuse of elders by family. It is estimated that nearly 25% of the elderly population experiences abuse by their sons, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, but never by daughters. It is ironic that parents feel that birth of a girl child is a burden on them! Most of the cases of abuse are not reported, as the elders want to protect family’s reputation in society.