Marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2026, HelpAge India on Monday organised an event in Hyderabad and launched its national report titled ‘Climate Resilient Ageing – Ensuring Care, Dignity and Agency’, which highlights the increasing impact of climate change on elderly persons, particularly those belonging to vulnerable communities.

The report by the NGO which focusses on senior citizens and elderly care underlines the need for age-inclusive climate action, improved disaster preparedness and stronger social protection systems to safeguard the wellbeing, dignity and resilience of senior citizens. It also calls for greater policy attention to the specific challenges faced by elderly people during extreme weather events and other climate-related emergencies.

Addressing the gathering, B. Sailaja, Commissioner for Welfare of Disabled and Senior Citizens, government of Telangana, said the State government was committed to strengthening welfare measures for senior citizens. She highlighted the implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act in Telangana and said mechanisms had been put in place to enable elderly citizens to raise concerns relating to neglect and maintenance.

The Act provides eligible parents with avenues to seek maintenance support. She noted that under the existing process, a portion of an employee’s salary, around 10-15% where applicable, can be channelled through the employer mechanism to support dependent parents. Grievances are also being addressed through a system operating at the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) level, with efforts being made to ensure timely resolution of complaints.