Abuse of older people is a serious issue for which awareness is very important.
The UN has declared that June 15 each year will be a day to raise awareness of the phenomenon of elder abuse and neglect, to prevent such incidents from happening.
Unfortunately, around 1 in 6 adults experience some form of abuse. Abuse rates may be higher for older people living in nursing homes, by caregivers, than in the community. Elder abuse can take various forms such as physical, psychological or emotional abuse, sexual and financial. It can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect.
Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences.
Elder abuse is expected to increase as life expectancy increases in many countries and the elderly population increases.
The global population of people aged 60 and over will double, from 900 million in 2015 to about 2 billion in 2050.
How to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day?
There are several ways you can help mark this day and raise awareness of the sad phenomenon. You can volunteer in the frameworks for the elderly in your community.
Many seniors in the community live in solitude, and volunteering for an hour a week, talking over a cup of coffee or going on a short walk can contribute a lot to them and help them, and even find out if they are experiencing any distress like abuse or neglect.
Share the information about this day on social media, so that everyone is aware of the phenomenon and its importance, because it can happen to any adult, even to someone close to you and dear to you!
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| The people in the picture have nothing to do with the phenomenon |
June 15 is also Nature Photography Day