A study to assess the Awareness of Human and Social Rights amongst the Old persons in Urban area of District Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh,India

INTRODUCTION: Human Rights are the basic rights which fundamentally and inherently belong to each individual. Ironically, in India older generations are not aware of their human rights due to high prevalence of illiteracy and lack of awareness. Ever-increasing numbers of distress calls from older persons clearly indicate disturbing condition of Human Rights of Older Persons in India. The basic rationale for conducting this Study was to assess and create awareness amongst older population towards social and human rights.

Objectives- 1) To assess the status of human rights amongst older persons.

                   2) To identify responsible factors for violation of human rights of older persons.

                   3 To provide recommendations to policy makers in order to preserve the integrity of the rights of older persons.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst older population in urban area of district Jhansi by using cluster sampling method. The study sample consists of 300 older persons (60+).A predesigned, pretested schedule for record of information was used. For statistical analysis SPSS (trial version) was used.

RESULTS:  Only 24.04 % said they have knowledge about human rights of older person. 53% of older persons living in inhuman conditions and going through crisis in their life.32.4% of older persons are facing violation of their human rights in old age. Further on association of their social-demographic characteristics has also been looked with different variables of social and human rights.

CONCLUSIONS:  Despite special facilities for the older persons, the position of older person seems to be a disturbing trend and it is because of our approach towards older people in the present scenario. Today, we urgently need an inclusive social security program for older persons at grass root level while utilizing tools like value based education, awareness generation, research & advocacy in order to protect human rights of older Persons.