Legal Insight. Trusted Advice.
Recent Successes And News
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 10 percent of older adults experience some form of abuse each year. In addition to physical harm, elder abuse can also encompass financial exploitation, neglect, and emotional abuse. Older adults who experience abuse are more likely to suffer depression, physical injuries, cognitive decline, and premature death.
To raise awareness of this issue, the World Health Organization at the United Nations has declared June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, here are five things everyone can do to build community support and prevent elder abuse:
- Learn the signs of elder abuse and how we can solve the issue together.
- Prevent isolation. Call or visit our older loved ones and ask how they are doing on a regular basis.
- Talk to friends and family members about how we can all age well and reduce abuse with programs and services like law enforcement, community centers, and public transportation.
- Sign up to be a friendly visitor to an older person in our communities.
- Send a letter to a local paper, radio or TV station suggesting that they cover World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) or Grandparents Day in September.
