Event Series:
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 15, 2027
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
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). WEAAD aims to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons. They do this by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. In addition, WEAAD is held in support of the UN International Plan of Action. This plan of action acknowledges 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. The awareness color associated with elder abuse is purple.
Each year, an estimated 5 million older adults are abused, neglected, or exploited. Older Americans lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation. These funds could be used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food, and medical care. Unfortunately, it occurs in every demographic and can happen to anyone. This includes a family member, a neighbor, even you. It is estimated that only one in five of these crimes are discovered.
Elder Abuse Awareness Statistics
Elder abuse can be financial, emotional, physical, and sexual. It also includes people who are neglected and those who neglect themselves (self-neglect). Social isolation, financial or emotional stress, and dementia can make a senior vulnerable to abuse.
The consequences of elder abuse are grave. For example, elder adults who are abused are twice as likely to be hospitalized. They are also four times as likely to go into nursing homes. And they are three times as likely to die. While studies show that 60% of abusers are family members, abuse can happen in any setting. This includes in the older adult’s own home or a senior living community. According to the National Center for Elder Abuse, t is estimated that between 1 and 2 million Americans over 65 years old were injured, exploited or mistreated by someone they depended on for care or protection.
Ageism and Inequality
WEAAD was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011. This was as a result of a request by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), who first established the commemoration in June 2006. In many parts of the world, elder abuse occurs with little recognition or response. It is a global social issue that affects the health, well-being, independence, and human rights of millions of older people worldwide. It is an issue that deserves the attention of all in the community. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed each year to highlight one of the worst manifestations of ageism and inequality in our society, elder abuse.
According to WHO, prevalence rates or estimates exist only in selected developed countries. This prevalence ranges from 1 to 10 percent. Although the extent of elder mistreatment is unknown, its social and moral significance is obvious. For this reason, individuals, communities, municipalities, and organizations come together across the globe to hold events on June 15th that raise awareness of elder abuse.
Elder Isolation Abuse Awareness
The film “All the Lonely People”, created by Stu Maddux and Joseph Applebaum places a human face on the hidden epidemic of chronic loneliness and social isolation. This type of abuse occurs when one individual intentionally prevents another individual from receiving mail, telephone calls, or visitors.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone experienced loneliness and isolation in their own, unique way. For some individuals, including elders, this resulted in cognitive decline and increased susceptibility to fraud and exploitation. A recent FBI report stated that individuals over the age of 60 have lost nearly $1 billion to scammers. This is through financial fraud or an internet scheme. The FBI stated that seniors are often targeted because they tend to be trusting and polite and may be less inclined to report fraud.
Film Clip to View During World Elder Abuse Day
This film clip not only highlights how individuals experience and deal with loneliness, but also how to build and strengthen the community. It shows the impact building and strengthening a community can have on an individual. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this aging service network learned to be innovative and creative when combatting isolation in the community. Various public and private agencies expedited new approaches to ensuring elders and dependent adults stayed connected to their services and maintained a strong support system.
If you are interested in learning more about “All the Lonely People” or viewing the full movie, Click Here.
