Issues

June 15 - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Posted by Paige Richardson in category on June 14, 2012

I opened this morning’s newspaper to learn Friday, June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), more than two million older adults are victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Women and adults age 80 and older are most likely to be victimized in some way, most often from family members.

Because isolation is one of the risk factors, you can help prevent elder abuse by simply reaching out to aging adults. NCEA suggests:

• Commit to visiting an older friend, family member, or neighbor who lives alone, or invite them to a family activity, such as a Little League Game.
• Ask an aging adult to share their talents by teaching you or your children a new skill, such as gardening, or how to bake a favorite recipe.
• Volunteer at a home delivered meals program. Home-delivered meals allow the volunteer to observe if the senior is managing well at home, or if he or she may need other assistance.

NCBAM connects churches with the frail aging in their communities.  Contact us to learn how your church can become involved and to learn more about elder abuse signs and prevention visit the National Center on Elder Abuse.