The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has proclaimed World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 every year. This day raises awareness against one of the cruelest manifestations of ageism in our society – elder abuse. Elder abuse can be physical, psychological, sexual, financial, and also include neglect and ill-treatment.
During this time of the pandemic, when people are forced to stay indoors the cases related to elder abuse have been increased. According to the data released by the Agewell Foundation ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2021, 82% of the 5000 elderly respondents stated that the pandemic has adversely affected their lives.
This pandemic is adding vulnerabilities in the lives of older citizens, therefore, the importance of safeguarding the elder citizens is more than ever before.
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Elder abuse is not a problem related to rich-poor or literate – illiterate. The problem can exist anywhere, it is reported in both developed and developing nations.
THEME of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2021:
This year the theme of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is – “Access to Justice”. This theme serves as a reminder of the importance to fully address the needs of older people. The theme influences the capacity of the older citizens to fully enjoy their fundamental rights like – right to health, the right to appropriate social security and to live in dignity.
HISTORY of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day:
The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) established World Elder Abuse Day in 2006 and in the year 2011 the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) marked June 15 as the world elder abuse day. The day was officially acknowledged by the UNGA in its 66/127 resolution in December 2011.
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Importance:
The main goal of the day is to provide the necessary information to the older community all around the world about the abuse and their fundamental rights. The practices of elder abuse not only affect their mental and physical health but also diminish their rights.