INDIA: The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed on June 15 annually to raise awareness and promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect that older people suffer across the globe.
According to experts, senior citizens face physical, verbal, sexual, financial abuse all over the world. In some cases, they are even exploited and abandoned by their own families and relatives.
The United Nations (UN) defines elder abuse as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.”
History
The day was launched on June 15, 2006, by the joint effort of the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) at the UN. It was in December 2011 that the day was officially recognized by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Theme
The theme for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day this year is “Access to Justice.” It serves as a reminder of the importance to fully address the needs of older persons who may seek recourse.
The aim of ‘Access to Justice’ is to let elderly people age with dignity, enjoy the right to health and social security.
The mistreatment of older people is a global social issue and deserves attention as it impacts their health while undermining their dignity.
On this occasion, let’s pledge to take proper care of the people who have fallen into the spectrum of age and require constant support and assistance.
Quotes
Here are some quotes to honor the elders: (Courtesy: YOURFATES and WEWISHES)
1- “Repay Your Debt to Elders.” – Avoid Elder Abuse
2- “Old age is the most unexpected of all the things that can happen to a man.” – Leon Trotsky
3- “You don’t really realize how old you are until you sit on the floor and then try to get back up.” – Anonymous
4- “The wiser mind mourns less for what age takes away than what it leaves behind.” – William Wordsworth
5- “Youth cannot know how age thinks and feels. But old men are guilty if they forget what it was to be young.” – JK Rowling
