World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Here’s what you should know

The UN designated World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed every year on June 15.

The day was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 66/127,December 2011, following a request by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), who first established the commemoration in June 2006.

It is said that there are seven forms of abuse that elders may face. These are physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial abuse and self-neglect

According to UN, 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%.

Also, it is very important to create awareness among all the generations that under the Maintenance and Welfare of Senior Citizens Act, 2007, if one does not look after their parents then they can be jailed and  fined. This is a legal tool that can be used by elderly to safeguard their rights.

Amid Covid-19 pandemic, there have been numerous reports of abuse and neglect of older people living in long-term care facilities and other community settings, but also of those living with family members or in their own homes with caregivers.

WHO says, this evidence makes a compelling case for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day’s call for decision-makers to develop universally applicable normative standards for the protection of older people.