Representative image

LUCKNOW: On the occasion of World Elder Abuse Day , an all-India toll free helpline number was launched which would help people report cases of abuse. ‘The Golden age helpline’- 1800-180-0060 has been initiated by Samaj Kalyan Sansthan and is functional now.

“The aim is to help the elderly who are abused. Anybody who comes across any sort of abuse of senior citizens can make a complaint on the helpline. Medical emergencies can also be reported here and immediate help would be offered,” said Indu Subhash, managing director of the organization. She said the NGO will work in coordination with the local police and action would be taken in cases of domestic violence and verbal abuse. “The NGO will also take care to rehabilitate the survivors too,” she said.

Arrangements for counselling of the elderly, who had been through distress, is an important part of the initiative. “The elderly may not be desperate for money. But they all want care, affection and someone to talk to. Our motive is to rid them of the feeling of loneliness and of being useless. They can call on the line anytime and talk to our volunteers who will be there to listen,” she said.

