World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Held on : 15th June

Elder abuse is a general term used to describe certain types of harm to older adults. According to World Health Organization - 'Elder abuse is 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.' The term 'Elder Abuse' does not include general criminal activity against older persons, such as "muggings" in the street or "distraction burglary", where a stranger distracts an older person at the doorstep while another person enters the property to steal. In the last quarter of the 20th century, abuse of the elderly remained a private matter, well hidden from public view. Today, it is increasingly being seen as an important problem and one that is likely to grow as many countries experience rapidly ageing populations. It is predicted that by the year 2025, the global population of those aged 60 years and older will more than double, from 542 million in 1995 to about 1.2 billion. Information on the extent of abuse in elderly populations is scant. The few population-based studies that have been conducted suggest that between 4% and 6% of elderly people have experienced some form of abuse in the home. The elderly are also at risk of abuse in institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes and other long term care facilities. In a survey in the United States, for example, 36 % of nursing-home staff reported having witnessed at least one incident of physical abuse of an elderly patient in the previous year, 10% admitted having committed at least one act of physical abuse themselves, and 40% said that they had psychologically abused patients.

For older people, the consequences of abuse can be especially serious because their bones are more brittle and convalescence takes them longer. Even a relatively minor injury can cause serious and permanent damage. To address the cause of the Elderly, International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse was founded in 1997, which is dedicated to the global dissemination of information as part of its commitment to the world-wide prevention of the abuse of older people. In 2006 the  INPEA designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and an increasing number of events are held across the globe on this day to raise awareness of elder abuse, and highlight ways to challenge such abuse.

Governments, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, religious groups, professionals in the field of ageing, interested individuals as well as older persons themselves promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by organizing activities around the world to raise awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. Activities include public education and awareness through publication and distribution of Information Kit, speeches, special radios & televisions programmes, articles and interviews in newspapers etc.

Holidays Status - It is not a Public Holiday