World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2026 Observed in Kolkata; Experts Call for a Social Movement Against Elder Abuse

By Suman Munshi

Kolkata, June 15:

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2026 was observed in South Kolkata under the aegis of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Bengal State Branch, jointly organized by Banchbo Healing Touch Foundation—a leading organization dedicated to senior citizens’ welfare for over two decades—and the IMA Calcutta Metro Branch.

The programme, held at Jatra Shuru Sangha Hall, Garia, brought together senior citizens, eminent physicians, public health experts, social workers, and organizations working for elderly welfare.

Among the distinguished participants were Prof. Dr. Prashanta Kumar Bhattacharya, President of IMA Calcutta Metro Branch; Prof. Dr. Debasish Basu, eminent neurologist and former Principal of Kolkata Medical College; Prof. Dr. Ranjan Bhattacharya, psychologist and Joint Secretary of IMA Bengal State Branch; and Dr. Anirban Dalui, public health expert and Assistant Secretary of IMA Bengal State Branch.

Reflecting the global WEAAD 2026 theme, “Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work,” speakers stressed that elder abuse is a major social, public health, and human rights issue requiring coordinated action from families, communities, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and civil society.

A key attraction was a panel discussion titled “Break the Silence: Recognize, Prevent and Respond to Elder Abuse,” moderated by Dr. Dhires Kumar Chowdhury, Founder-Director of Banchbo Healing Touch Foundation. Panelists included Dr. Debanjan Banerjee, Dr. Rahul Bhattacharya, Dr. Ribhu Basu, and Dr. Udita Ghosh Sarkar, who discussed physical, psychological, financial, and social abuse of older adults, along with growing concerns such as emotional neglect, loneliness, intergenerational disconnect, social isolation, and digital fraud.

Experts highlighted an often-overlooked issue—the lack of formal training among many caregivers—which can lead to unintentional distress, humiliation, or harm to older persons, describing it as a form of “silent” or “invisible” elder abuse. They advocated structured caregiver training, improved digital literacy for seniors, stronger intergenerational engagement, and greater public awareness of the rights of older persons.

The Foundation has also submitted policy recommendations to the Government of West Bengal seeking stronger social security measures for senior citizens through youth engagement, caregiver training, and promotion of intergenerational bonding. The proposals have been addressed to Dr. Shardadwata Mukhopadhyay, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, and Dr. Indranil Khan, Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports.

As part of the observance, specialist doctors provided free health consultations and essential health screenings for senior citizens. Representatives of the Kolkata Police PRONAM Project, retired employees’ associations, NGOs, and numerous senior citizens also participated.

The day-long programme, combining awareness sessions, healthcare services, expert deliberations, and cultural activities, concluded with a strong message: elder abuse cannot be addressed through silence alone; it requires awareness, sensitivity, accountability, and a united social movement to ensure dignity, safety, and respect for older persons.