15/06/2026
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
This year’s theme is “Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work”.
The United Nations said that as populations age, more people with disabilities are growing older, and many older persons develop disabilities later in life. This overlap calls for closer coordination between efforts on ageing and disability, especially in areas such as protection, care, and community-based support—all of which are essential to addressing elder abuse.
Elder abuse remains widely under-recognized and under-reported. It can take many forms, including physical, psychological, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. It often occurs in situations where individuals lack visibility, support, or access to services.
The UN said addressing this issue requires more than raising awareness. It calls for stronger systems that can prevent abuse and respond effectively when it happens, while respecting the dignity, independence, and rights of older persons. (UN)
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