World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Every year June 15 marks the ‘World Elder Abuse Awareness Day’ (WEAAD).  In 2024, with the theme “Spotlight On Older Persons In Emergencies” it emphasizes the urgent need to protect and support older individuals during crises. The WEAAD is a crucial occasion to shed light on the often-overlooked issue of elder abuse. This day is a global call to action to address the challenges and injustices experienced by seniors by ensuring their safety, dignity, and well-being. It invites governments, international donors, organizations, and communities to prioritize the safety and well-being of older people in their emergency mitigation and response strategies by developing inclusive policies that ensure elders are not overlooked, particularly during crises. 

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011, following a resolution proposed by the International Network For The Prevention Of Elder Abuse (INPEA). However, efforts to raise awareness about elder abuse began much earlier with INPEA being established in 1997, which played a significant role in bringing global attention to the issue. The UN’s formal recognition of WEEAD has since amplified these efforts. The primary aim of WEEAD is to raise awareness about the physical, emotional, financial and social abuse that older adults may face. It seeks to promote understanding of elder abuse, highlighting the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of older individuals. 

Elder abuse is a pervasive issue that transcends cultural, social and economic boundaries. According to the World Health Organization, around 1 in 6 people aged 60 years and older experience some form of abuse in a community setting. In India, the abuse rate reported by HelpAge India states that 25% of elders face abuse primarily by their kin. Disrespect (45.6%) and beating /slapping (23.1%) were the main forms of abuse, whereas the main abusers were the son (43.8%) and daughter-in-law (27.8%). Emotional abuse is the most common form, followed by neglect, financial exploitation and physical abuse. Elder abuse exists in both developing and developed nations yet is typically unreported globally.  A study by the Agewell Foundation found that 65% of elderly abuse cases go unreported due to fear, shame or lack of awareness about available support services. These figures highlight the critical importance of WEEAD in the Indian context.  Thus its significance lies in its capacity to bring the hidden problems to the forefront, encouraging dialogue, education and action.

In conjunction with societal abuse, events such as natural disasters, pandemics, and conflicts have a disproportionate effect on older people, increasing their immediate vulnerabilities. Addressing their requirements in disaster planning and response is critical, as the elderly frequently have mobility challenges, chronic health concerns, and social isolation. These issues can impede their capacity to seek assistance, escape safely, or obtain timely medical attention and support. In addition, the stress and turmoil of an emergency might raise the probability of elder abuse. 

WEEAD 2024 stresses the necessity of educating and training emergency responders, caregivers, and people in general. By raising awareness about the peculiar challenges that older people encounter in emergencies and elsewhere, we can promote a more inclusive and protective environment.

Strategies to define, detect, and respond to elder abuse must be culturally sensitive and take into account culturally specific risk factors. From a health and social standpoint, both key sectors must be well-equipped to identify and deal with issues. In India, the ‘Maintenance And Welfare Of Parents And Senior Citizen Act Of 2007’ stands as an important legislative initiative aimed at safeguarding senior citizens. Special tribunals known as Senior Citizen Tribunals have been set up to handle cases related to elder abuse  and provide a legal platform for victims to seek justice. Moreover, the government has implemented various policies to address elder abuse such as The National Policy For Older Persons, The Annapurna Program and  The National Old Age Pension Scheme. 

Thus to effectively address elder abuse a strong legal framework, recurrent public awareness through campaigns, support services like ‘Dignity Helpline’ which is available 24*7 free of cost across India, counselling services in conflicted households,   more safe shelters for abused elders and webbed community engagement to spot and help at-risk elders is much needed. 

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a vital platform to advocate for the rights and well-being of older adults globally and in India. As we observe the day, let’s commit to being vigilant, compassionate and proactive in protecting our elderly, ensuring they enjoy their golden years free from abuse and neglect.