World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2019 is observed on June 15 and it is an annual international event aiming the stoppage of increasing elder abuse. Initiated by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and UN World Health Organisation, the purpose of this day, acronym as, WEAAD, is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by highlighting cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. The United Nations’ experts recently warned of unreported sexual abuse of senior citizens. It is as crucial as any other issues that we are facing in society today. As we observe, WEAAD 2019, let us take a look some startling facts about how some of our senior citizens are mistreated, as cited by the United Nations. WhatsApp Stickers, Dad Quotes, GIF Images, SMS and Greetings to Wish Your Father on This Special Day. 

Elder abuse is a global issue, which is also majorly avoided. It affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world. The UN General Assembly, in its resolution 66/127, designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. WEAAD represents the one day in the year, when the whole world unites to voice its opposition to the abuse and suffering caused to some of our elder generations. The United Nations highlights the key facts given below, which are not known globally.

Facts About Elder Abuse

1. Around 1 in 6 older people experience some form of abuse, a figure higher than previously estimated and predicted to rise as populations age worldwide.

2. Rates of abuse may be higher for older people living in institutions than in the community.

3. Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences.

4. Elder abuse is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations.

5. The global population of people aged 60 years and older will more than double, from 900 million in 2015 to about 2 billion in 2050.

Elderly people are majorly vulnerable to abuse. Fear and infirmity can be major barriers to seeking and getting help. Many of us even fear of getting old more than death itself. It is significant to look into the sufferings that some of our senior citizens are going through. Let us stand together and make our society and aged care systems better.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 15, 2019 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).