World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (or WEAAD in abbreviation) is celebrated on every June 15th, which is officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 66/127, December 2011, according to a request of the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA).

It is very helpful to spread World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to the world on every June 15th. It's hard to imagine anyone knowingly wanting to harm an elderly person, but unfortunately elder abuse is a common problem. Some cases of elder abuse aim to exploit the person financially. You may have heard of scams aimed at the elderly. In other cases, it is simple negligence: The caregiver fails to provide basic needs, such as nutritious food, appropriate medication, safety, or assistance with hygiene. If you see something, say something.

History of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day, or WEAAD, is an annual initiative launched on 15th June 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization. In its resolution 66/127, the United Nations General Assembly designated the detail day of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It is a day when the entire world speaks out against all forms of generational of abuse of the old.

WEAAD aims to provide opportunities for communities around the world to improve their understanding of the abuses experienced by older people by raising awareness of cultural, social, and economic processes and the demographics that affect them. Elder abuse is one of the least investigated types of violence and is not addressed in national action plans as often as other important social issues.

The UN's International Plan of Action has described elder abuse as a public health and human rights problem. Globally, we have an aging population, with the number of elderly people in the world expected to be 1.4 billion by 2030. Research shows that 4 to 6% of older people suffer from some type of abuse, most of which go unreported. This day is to ensure that we stay focused on our elders, ensuring they lead a life of high quality and dignity.

Some facts about elder abuse

• It happens mostly at home

Cases of elder abuse mostly occur in homes where the elderly live.

• 1 in every 10

It is the number of older adults who experience some form of abuse in their lifetime.

• Finance with the highest risk

Financial exploitation and extortion are the most common form of abuse.

• 9/10 elder abusers are relatives

In about 90% of elder abuse and neglect cases, the perpetrator is a family member.

• Many people go unreported

In fact, there is only one case in six cases of elder abuse that is reported.

Addressing Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can be defined as a single or repeated act or the absence of appropriate action, occurring in any relationship where there is an expectation of damaging trust. This is a global social issue that affects the health and human rights of millions of older people around the world and deserves international attention.

Around the world, elder abuse occurs everywhere with little acknowledge and response as well. Until recently, this serious social issue was hidden from the public eye and was mostly treated as a private matter. Even today, elder abuse continues to be a taboo, most underestimated and ignored by societies worldwide. However, evidence is accumulating to indicate that elder abuse is an important social and public health problem.

Elder abuse is a problem that exists in both developed and developing countries but is often underreported globally. Common rates or estimates that only exist in a select few developed countries - range from 1% to 10%. Although the extent of elder abuse is unknown, its social and ethical implications are clear. It therefore requires a multifaceted global response, with a focus on protecting the rights of older people.

From a health and social perspective, unless both primary health care and social services are well equipped to identify and deal with the problem, elder abuse will continue to be underdiagnosed and ignored.

What do you do in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day?

• Know the symptoms of abuse

Sores, bruises, or cracks could indicate that your loved one is confined to a bed or wheelchair, or subjected to physical abuse. If a child has recently experienced weight loss, malnutrition or dehydration can occur while playing, and poor hygiene is also a sign of possible abuse. Also track changes in one's mood; if they seem depressed, anxious, agitated, or listless, see if you can discover why. In short, any change to an elderly person's behavior, personality, or physical condition can be cause for concern.

• If you doubt something, say something

If you spot signs of abuse, record them. Take photos of bruises or injuries, take statements from the victim or any witnesses, and document any suspicious behavior or situations. You can then address your concerns with the manager or director of the long-term care facility or home care provider; if they do not act, contact the police or an elder abuse attorney.

• Spread the word by social media

Helping to prevent elder abuse using tools that are largely seen as the domain of the younger generation may seem counter-intuitive, but there really isn't a better way to spread the word and raise the bar awareness rather than through social platforms. If you are confident at your information, let share something on Facebook by using the hashtag #WEAAD on Twitter.

Some reasons for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day being important

• Older Americans may not be able to advocate for themselves

Many seniors have no place to defend themselves, whether it is because they are physically weak or because they are afraid to speak up and fear the consequences. It is important for all of us to watch out for signs of elder abuse and speak up if something is wrong.

• Elderly people deserve our respect and care

In many cultures, elders are revered and rightly so. Their experiences, memories and outlook on life are valuable for lessons young people can learn. And if older people are not encouraged to pass on the skills and wisdom they have accumulated over a lifetime, entire cultures will suffer. We are indebted to the older generations to ensure that their so-called Golden Years are not tarnished by oblivion.

• It is a significant reminder for us to take care of each other

It's easy to see the bad stuff and not say anything whether it's high-profile abuse or street shoplifting. But this holiday reminds us how important it is to care for and care for our fellow human beings. It reminds us to practice compassion on a daily basis and to care about others more than just ourselves.