World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2021: Access To Justice

Elder abuse is a growing issue in developing and developed countries, now in COVID times, the problem has increased multifold, as elders like others are home-bound, helpless, and not able to contribute physically and in many cases financially. World Elder abuse day is celebrated every year to spread awareness about the socio, economic and emotional problems faced by elders.

It can be hard to imagine that anyone would deliberately want to harm an elderly person, but unfortunately, elder abuse is a widespread problem. Some instances of elder abuse are intended to exploit the person financially; you’ve probably heard of scams targeting seniors. In other cases, it’s simple negligence: Caregivers don’t provide the basic necessities, like nutritious food, appropriate medication, safety, or assistance with hygiene. If you see something, say something. The theme of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2021 is Access To Justice.

5 Facts About Elder Abuse

• It happens mostly at home
• 1 in every 10
• Finances are at the highest risk
• 9 out of 10 elder abusers are relatives
• Many go unreported

Why World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is Important

• Older may be unable to advocate for themselves. Many seniors are not in a place to stand up for themselves, whether it's because they're physically frail or because they're scared of speaking up and fear repercussions.
• Seniors deserve our respect and our attention. Their experiences, memories, and perspective on life are valued for the lessons that younger folks can learn.
• It reminds us to look out for each other. It reminds us to exercise compassion on a daily basis, and care about others rather than just ourselves.

Need to Take Action

We need everyone to educate each other about the impact of elder abuse and the pervasiveness of ageism (biases against older people) in our culture. We all deserve to lead happy lives, free from abuse as we age. Through outreach and statewide engagement, we can raise this social issue to a worldwide priority that must be addressed and prevented.
Engage Older People in activities.

• Prevent isolation. Call or visit our older loved ones and ask how they are doing regularly.
• Ask doctors to ask all older patients about possible family violence in their lives.
• Sign up to be a friendly visitor to an older person in our communities.
• Talk to friends and family members about how we can all age well and reduce abuse

Special care for older persons during COVID-19

• Although all age groups are at risk of contracting COVID-19, older persons are at a significantly higher risk of mortality and severe disease following infection.
• Older persons may also face age discrimination in decisions on medical care, triage, and life-saving therapies. The pandemic may lead to a scaling back of critical services unrelated to COVID-19, further increasing risks to the lives of older persons.
• Some older people face additional vulnerabilities at this time. The virus is not just threatening the lives and safety of older persons, it is also threatening their social networks, their access to health services, their jobs, and their pensions. With lockdowns and reduced care, violence against older persons is on the rise.

The COVID-19 pandemic may significantly lower older persons’ incomes and living standards. Already, less than 20% of older persons of retirement age receiving a pension. So in this pandemic time awareness of Elder Abuse is important to protect their rights.

History of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. In addition, WEAAD is in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. In a society that values the just treatment of all people, WEAAD reminds us that elder abuse has implications for all of us, and so it’s important to find the right solutions to it. WEAAD is a call-to-action for society’s individuals, organizations, and communities to educate each other on how to identify, address and prevent abuse so we can all do our part to support everyone as we age.

Conclusion

Elder abuse is a problem that exists in both developing and developed countries yet is typically underreported globally. Prevalence rates or estimates exist only in selected developed countries — ranging from 1% to 10%. Although the extent of elder mistreatment is unknown, its social and moral significance is obvious.

The UN International Plan of Action described elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. Globally we have an aging population, with the number of older people in the world expected to be 1.4 billion by 2030. Research suggests that 4 to 6 percent of the elderly suffer from some kind of abuse, most of which go unreported. This day is to make sure we remain focused on our elders, ensuring they lead a life of high quality and dignity. It is investing in society's future, a future that gives older people the freedom to benefit from and contribute to sustainable development and to live long and healthy lives.