World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (15 June 2021)

The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) happens each year on June 15th. It was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 66/127, December 2011.

As kids and in our growing up days, we loved being around our grandparents. We have learnt so many life-changing lessons by just living with the elders and hearing them narrate their life experiences. Once we grew up and get busy with our life, we tend to ignore the elders and their existence. In many households, they gradually turn into a burden with nowhere else to go and hence are left to be in the house. The younger generation forgets that these were the people who took care of their demands when they were young. Slowly knowingly or unknowingly, these things turn into abuse. To bring awareness about such abuse toward elders, the United Nations has recognized the 15th June of every year as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse can be defined as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person”. It is a global social issue which affects the Health and Human Rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community.

In many parts of the world elder abuse occurs with little recognition or response. Until recently, this serious social problem was hidden from the public view and considered mostly a private matter. Even today, elder abuse continues to be a taboo, mostly underestimated and ignored by societies across the world. Evidence is accumulating, however, to indicate that elder abuse is an important public health and societal problem.

Elder abuse is a problem that exists in both developing and developed countries yet is typically under reported 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. As such, it demands a global multifaceted response, one which focuses on protecting the rights of older persons.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2021

This day is recognized as a means to spread awareness of elder abuse all over the world. Elder abuse is a global issue that does not get as much attention as it should. This day’s main objective is to promote better awareness of elders’ abuse and negligence through cultural, social and economic processes. Many elders are left at an old age home. They do not get proper care and attention. Making an effort to spend some time with them over a weekend and making sure they feel protected is an excellent way of spreading awareness.

History of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The United Nations general assembly officially recognized the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in December 2011 after receiving a request by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA). The United Nations declared this day by passing a resolution 66/127.

According to the United Nations, every 1 in 6 elder experiences some form of abuse in their every life. Every year there is a considerable increase in the number of elders in society. This number is expected to keep growing in the next ten years. With the growth in the number of elders, the abuse rate towards them is also likely to rise. Keep this point in view; the recognition of this day and its importance becomes critical.

Significance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Abuse of any form against older people is a crime. They deserve more respect and care in society. Any abuse against them can leave long-term physiological effect along with severe physical injuries. This is a global social issue that needs to be addressed with immediate effect. It is about protecting the social and human rights of older people in society. Whether it is our parents or somebody else’s, every older adult deserves respect for their contribution to making the younger generation what they are today.

With the increase in population, in the next 20 years, the older generation will outnumber the younger generation. With this, it becomes critical for us to protect the elders from any abuse. According to the World Health Organization data, 4 to 6 percent of the elders suffer from some form of abuse and a large percentage of which goes unreported. This day is an effort in recognizing that there is such a thing called elder abuse and working towards controlling such abuse.

Source: INPEA