World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – Let’s Not Abandon the Hands that Reared Us

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed around the world on 15th June to encourage people to pay more attention at the well-being of the elderly people.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations (UN). This day aims to make people around the world aware about the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. Observance of a day like this promotes a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older people.

World Elder Abuse Day
Photo source: Office on women’s Health

In addition, WEAAD is held in support of the UN International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. This observance serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

There have been several cases in India where families abuse and abandon their elderly members. With the modern lifestyle, especially in cities, all the family members are often busy with their respective engagements. This often leads to negligence of the elderly people in the family.

Also, older people are more vulnerable to the Covid-19 virus. Hence, they need constant care and attention during this time of Covid-19 outbreak.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is causing untold fear and suffering for older people across the world. Beyond its immediate health impact, the pandemic is putting older people at greater risk of poverty, discrimination and isolation. It is likely to have a particularly devastating impact on older people in developing countries”, said UN Secretary, General António Guterres.

On the occasion of this day, let us take a pledge to not abandon the hands that once reared us.

(Feature image source: Agile- IoT)