Did you know that elder abuse is so prevalent it’s been declared a global public health and human rights issue? According to a 2017 study, 15.7% of the world’s seniors age 60 and up suffer some type of abuse, neglect or exploitation annually.
To call attention to the world’s at-risk seniors, the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization (WHO) at the United Nations teamed up to launch World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), which first took place June 15, 2006. This annual observance raises the public’s awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes associated with elder abuse and neglect.
Seniors Vulnerable to Multiple Types of Abuse
Abuses that threaten seniors include:
- Physical – inflicting physical pain or injury upon an older adult
- Sexual – touching, fondling, intercourse or any other sexual activity with an older adult, when the older adult is unable to understand, unwilling to consent, threatened or physically forced
- Emotional – verbal assaults, threats of abuse, harassment or intimidation
- Confinement – restraining or isolating an older adult, other than for medical reasons
- Passive neglect – a caregiver’s failure to provide an older adult with life’s necessities, including, but not limited to, food, clothing, shelter, or medical care
- Willful deprivation – denying an older adult medication, medical care, shelter, food, a therapeutic device or other physical assistance, and exposing that person to the risk of physical, mental or emotional harm—except when the older, competent adult has expressed a desire to go without such care
- Financial exploitation – the misuse or withholding of an older adult’s resources by another
On a global scale, seniors lose $36.5 billion per year to financial exploitation each year.
Incidents of elder abuse and neglect most often comes at the hands of family members (60%), with adult children and spouses accounting for 66% of the instances of the abuse taking place outside facilities.
As shocking as these statistics are, they indicate what can only be described as the tip of the iceberg. Fearing retaliation or escalation of the abuse makes seniors hesitant to report it to family, friends or authorities. In reality, reported incidences account for only 1 in 24 suspected cases.
Overcoming seniors’ reluctance to report abuse is often up to observers of the abuse. If you believe a senior is in immediate, life-threatening danger, do not hesitate to call 911. Anyone who suspects that an older adult is being mistreated should contact a local office of Adult Protective Services or file a complaint with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
The more seniors can stay healthy and alert, the less the chance they will suffer abuse. Seniors can help protect themselves by:
- Seeking professional help if you have drug, alcohol, or depression concerns and prompt your family members to get help for these problems as well.
- Attending support groups to learn about domestic violence.
- Executing a power of attorney or a living will to make health care decisions now, to avoid family problems later.
- Asking for independent advice from someone you trust before signing any document.
- Staying active in the community and connected with friends and family to ward off social isolation, often a precursor to elder abuse.
- Posting and opening your own mail.
- Refusing to give personal information over the phone.
- Using direct deposit as often as you can.
- Keeping your cell phone charged and in working order.
- Reviewing your will periodically.
Unfortunately, elder abuse is expected to increase thanks to the rapidly expanding 60+ demographic. Globally, the number of seniors over 60 will more than double between 2015 and 2050, with the total senior population in 2050 expected to top two billion.
If you’re planning to observe WEAAD, visit https://ncea.acl/gov/WEAAD.aspx to access a wealth of resources including tools, videos, podcasts, tips, programs and posters.
