LUCKNOW, June 14 -- A programme aimed at raising awareness about the challenges faced by elderly was organised on Friday at the social work department of Lucknow University, in collaboration with Help Age India. The event was organised to mark 'World Elder Abuse Prevention Day' and focussed on the theme: "Bridges between generations, building the future: understanding intergenerational dynamics and attitudes towards old age." Principal secretary social welfare and SC/ST welfare department L Venkateswarlu during the event highlighted the scientific nature of the four stages of life and underlined the importance of mutual understanding between the youth and elderly. Former director general of police Sulkhan Singh attributed the increasing problems of the elderly to the nuclear family structure and changing employment patterns, stating that people migrate from villages to cities and then from cities to other cities or countries, leaving the elderly behind, with no one to take care of them. "There is a need for property rights for the elderly. The social welfare department should appoint social welfare inspectors for senior citizens who would advocate for their rights under acquisition laws," said Singh. The national report, 'Understanding intergenerational mobility and attitudes towards old age' was released by state head of HelpAge India Anoop Pant. htc...