World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 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.
The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older people by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.
In addition, WEAAD is in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.
In a society that values the just treatment of all people, WEAAD reminds us that elder abuse has implications for all of us, and so it’s important to find the right solutions to it.
WEAAD is a call-to-action for society’s individuals, organizations, and communities around the world to educate each other on how to identify, address and prevent abuse so we can all do our part to support everyone as we age.
Join us in empowering older people and our communities this WEAAD! One fact sheet from the National Center On Elder Abuse on how to get involved is detailed below.
5 things everyone can do on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Here are 5 things everyone can do on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to build community support and prevent elder abuse.
1) Learn the signs of elder abuse and how we can solve the issue together.
2) Prevent isolation. Call or visit our older loved ones and ask how they are doing on a regular basis.
3) Talk to friends and family members about how we can all age well and reduce abuse with programs and services like law enforcement, community centers, and public transportation.
4) Sign up to be a friendly visitor to an older person in our communities.
5) Send a letter to a local paper, radio or TV station suggesting that they cover World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) or Grandparents Day in September.
For more information on elder abuse prevention, please visit the National Center On Elder Abuse online at ncea.acl.gov.
