Water comes to Seetha Lakshmi’s village, Vedalai, in drought-prone Ramanathapuram, just once a week through the panchayat pipeline. “This is the only water we get here in the village. I manage to fill a few pots which I have to use for cooking, cleaning and drinking until the water arrives again,” says the 68-year-old. Seetha, who works under the 100-day employment scheme, says she carries only a small bottle with her to work because that is all she can spare. She feels dehydrated most of the time and her blood pressure shoots up. “I get a fever sometimes, but I cannot afford to stay home,” she says.Seetha is among 78% of elders in rural areas across India to have experienced at least one climate-related hazard in the last three years, reveals a national report on climate resilient ageing’, launched by HelpAge India on Monday to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Heatwaves (45%), floods (27%) and droughts (20%) were the most reported hazards, as per the report.Respondents from Ramanathapuram and Namakkal linked extreme heat to blurred vision, knee pain and reduced mobility. One participant said the heat had become so intense that “eyes get blurred”.Seniors in most parts of Tamil Nadu reported that these climate-related hazards have made outdoor manual and agricultural work physically impossible, especially for those with disabilities, forcing indoor confinement and causing a substantial loss of working days. Among those affected by drought or water scarcity, 42% changed livelihood activities. The report said climate-related loss of income often increases older persons’ dependence on family members, pensions and welfare support.“Climate change affects everyone. Yet, we don’t see policies or programmes that cater to the welfare and well-being of older people, especially those in rural areas. They suffer physically, mentally and financially due to the drastic climatic conditions,” says Edwin Babu, director of HelpAge India.Climate risks extend beyond livelihoods and health. The study found that 60% of the participants do not consider their homes fully safe, while 69% reported at least one major housing problem, such as dampness, poor ventilation or excessive indoor heat, leaving them more vulnerable during extreme weather events.“The youth are having their movement with the Cockroach Janata Party campaigning against corruption such as exam paper leaks,” says Nirmala Balagopal, former principal secretary to the Tamil Nadu govt. “Seniors need to take inspiration from them and start a movement for their rights and betterment. We need to ensure the govt comes out with a policy for older people.”The study was conducted in rural areas across 10 states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha.
