Every year on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed to raise awareness and understanding of the abuse, prejudice, and neglect that older people endure. The day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of senior citizens’ rights and to advance an environment in which their presence is valued and respected.
It seeks to raise awareness of the various forms of elder abuse, exploitation, and abandonment. It also highlights how crucial it is to safeguard their dignity and well-being. On this day, people are inspired to take up the cause of older persons’ rights and welfare and to mobilize their communities.
Theme
The official theme for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024 is “Prioritizing Dignity, Safety, and Wellbeing for Older Survivors of All Identities“.
- Remember, even simple gestures might help to avoid elder abuse. Be a voice for people who cannot speak for themselves, educate others, and support groups dedicated to protecting older folks.
- We can work together to make the world a place where every older can age with dignity, safety, and respect.
History
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was instituted in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA).
- The UN General Assembly’s adoption of resolution A/RES/66/127 in 2011 gave it even more recognition. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was declared for June 15th.
- In line with the resolution, all individuals, non-governmental organizations, civil society, international and regional organizations, and members of the United Nations are urged to accurately mark this day.
- The purpose of this campaign is to increase public awareness of elder abuse and to motivate different stakeholders to take appropriate action to stop and address the global maltreatment and neglect of senior citizens.
What is Elder Abuse?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines elder abuse as any hurtful or upsetting behavior, or inaction, that involves an older person and takes place in a relationship where trust is expected. It can take on various forms, such as financial, sexual, psychological/emotional, and physical abuse. Inadequate attention to the needs of the elderly, whether deliberate or inadvertent, can also lead to elder abuse. In order to protect older individuals’ safety and well-being, elder abuse must be addressed and prevented.
- Within the last year, almost one in every six people aged 60 and older have been subjected to some type of abuse in communal settings.
- Elder abuse is especially prevalent in institutional settings such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities, with two out of every three employees reporting episodes of abuse in the previous year.
- The COVID-19 epidemic has aggravated the issue, resulting in an upsurge in elder abuse instances.
Between 2019 and 2030, the global population of people aged 60 and up is expected to grow by 38%, reaching 1.4 billion. - This increase will be especially noticeable in emerging countries, surpassing the number of youth. It is critical to acknowledge the unique obstacles that older people experience, particularly in terms of human rights.
- Elder abuse is a major problem in both developing and industrialized countries, yet it is frequently underreported globally.
- Only selected developed countries have prevalence rates or estimates, which range from 1% to 10%.
- Despite the lack of accurate data on the scope of elder maltreatment, its social and moral consequences are clear.
- The incidence of elder abuse is expected to increase as many countries’ populations age.
- Elder abuse can have serious implications, such as physical damage and long-term psychological effects.