India, June 16 -- The World Health Organisation defines elder abuse as a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. It recognises it as a global public health and human rights issue that includes physical, sexual, psychological and emotional abuse; financial fraud; abandonment, neglect; and serious loss of dignity and respect. June 15 is observed as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day since 2006, while the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-30 recognises the importance of awareness when globally one in six people aged 60 years and older experience abuse in the community every year. It is believed that the rates of abuse in institutions, such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities, are worse. The rates of abuse of senior citizens is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations. The number of elderly worldwide is expected to more than double from 900 million (90 crore) in 2015 to about 2 billion (200 crore) in 2050. Today, an estimated 12% of the Indian population is aged 60 and above and the figure is expected to rise to 19% by 2050. At the same time, India is also home to the world's largest youth population, with over 365 million individuals aged between 15 and 29 years. According to a recent HelpAge India report, which serves as a wake-up call to mark the day, the youth in India primarily associate elders as being lonely, dependent, but also wise and respected, indicating a mix of empathy and admiration, along with the existence of stereotypical views. This first-of-its-kind national study, Understanding Intergenerational Dynamics and Perceptions on Ageing' report (India Intergenerational Bonds - INBO Report) conducted in 10 cities, found though 86% of elders feel valued, many still feel emotionally distant, unheard, or excluded from meaningful engagement. In recent months, the Chandigarh tricity has witnessed a disturbing rise in cybercrime, particularly digital arrest scams, targeting the elderly. At least five high-value cases have been reported between February and June, with victims, mostly senior citizens, losing more than Rs.7 crore collectively to imposters posing as high-ranking government officials. Targeted outreach for senior citizens on how such scams operate and the red flags will help strengthen cyber police capacities to act quickly and liaise with banks to freeze and recover funds. This can be done if the generation gap is bridged through digital literacy and volunteering. Aging is not a phase of isolation, rather it should be society's shared purpose. The youth should be engaged in assisting the elderly from running errands to supporting digital inclusion and caregiving. Educational institutions could take the initiative to hold inter-generational activities and encourage students to spend time with the elderly. Adults could set an example by valuing seniors in families....