This one’s for the old boys

Helpage India has got the father-son duo Shekhar and Adhyayan Suman to campaign against abuse to elders in India and support our elderly. We have learnt that Adhyayan Suman will lead the young towards bridging the gap between old and young to fight increasing abuse against India’s growing older population.

Accompanied by his father, Shekhar Suman, who has been a supporter himself, the Bollywood newbie seemed to be turning a new leaf in joining a cause away which many of us and especially the young Indians often tend to ignore the protection and service towards our elder population.

Adhyayan has pledged ongoing support to all events and awareness campaigns of the organisation in a bid to inspire more young people to come forward in joining this initiative.

The cause of the elderly needs attention because we are a society in transition with changing values, which has led to the breakdown of the joint family, resulting in lack of security for the elderly.

Moreover, with rising longevity, the number of elderly in society is also increasing at a phenomenal rate. From 95 million today, the gray population is expected to rise to 177 million by 2025. At present of the 60-plus population, 90% have no social security, 40% are below the poverty line and 70% are illiterate.

Shekhar says, “I have long admired the seminal work Helpage India has been doing for our elderly, especially the underprivileged among these who tend to be either ignored or neglected by their own once their economic productivity is lost. I am glad to be associated with them and am happy that my son Adhyayan is sensitive to the needs of the older generation. He got associated with their good work last year at a friend’s painting auction for the cause.”