Experts discuss problems faced by elderly

CHANDIGARH: The often-ignored issue of elderly abuse took centre stage at Guru Gobind Singh College for Women, Sector 26, here on Thursday.
The college's post-graduate department of sociology had organized a one-day seminar, 'Ageing in Contemporary Indian Society: Issues and Concerns', during which speakers discussed various issues faced by the elderly in Indian society.Jaswinder Kaur Bhangoo, head of sociology department, GGSCW, introduced the theme. Sherry Sabbarwal, from the sociology department of Panjab University, delivered the key-note address on how age is treated in different cultures. Unlike other concepts like racism and sexism, "ageism" is not a static phenomena and nobody can escape it, Sabbarwal said.
Padam Shree awardee Dalip Kaur Tiwana was the chief guest. Maharshi Dayanand University former sociology faculty member BK Nagla Prof (Retd) he discussed elderly abuse and the victims' helplessness.
The seminar proceedings were released in the form of a book in which more than 40 research papers written by delegates were published.
Tiwana discussed how grandparents helped groom children by narrating them tales of bygone eras. Meanwhile, Panjab University dean AK Bhandari was the chief guest at the closing ceremony.