Fraud victimisation in elderly can lead to poor physical health, says study

The researchers found that many showed poor health and especially elevated blood pressure.

Proof in India

Fraud victimisation has been linked with elevated blood pressure (Creative Commons)

Dr Radha S Murthy, co-founder and managing trustee of Nightingales Medical Trust, told South First, “We receive 20-25 formal written complaints of elder abuse every month. While a majority of them are from family members for various reasons, several of them go through financial abuse. A few of them, who live alone and have just learnt to use technology, have fallen for several scams and lost lakhs of rupees.”

She explains that there is evidence to suggest that these incidents cause not only psychological distress but also physical problems like a rise in blood pressure, the onset of diabetes, irregular eating habits due to insult, and trauma from falling victim to such traps.

This, she said, leads to gastrointestinal issues and even severe migraines and headaches.

First-person account

Kumaresh S, a native of Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu, told South First that a man called him six months ago, claiming to be from his mobile phone service provider, and saying that this KYC (Know Your Customer details) needed to be updated.

“I normally don’t pay heed to such calls. But he said if I didn’t give him the details, my phone connection would be gone. My son is in Australia, and the only way to connect to him is through my phone. So, I revealed my details,” the 67-year-old said.

In no time, Kumaresh lost his pension amount of ₹98,000 which he had saved.

A healthy individual with no physical ailment, Kumaresh said he felt “disgusted and guilty” after this.

“I had saved this money to give to my only granddaughter, who wanted it for her college education,” he said.

Ever since, Kumaresh has had severe sleep issues, and dreads even talking to anyone.

His blood sugar levels have shown variations, and he has had to start medications for blood pressure.

Doctors want more studies

Dr Ashwini MV, who works with abuse-related victims through the Mukta Foundation, told South First that fraud victimisation has important public health consequences.

“It is good that there are studies being conducted on this subject. India definitely needs such studies to ensure the state governments come up with separate policies on elderly care,” she said.

“The number of older people falling victim to such frauds has gone up during and after the pandemic. It underscores the need for efforts to prevent such exploitations,” added the doctor.