World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day History

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a global observance that seeks to bring attention to the issue of elder abuse and neglect. This day aims to promote understanding and encourage action to address the mistreatment of older individuals. The United Nations General Assembly designates the day, and it provides an opportunity for communities and organisations worldwide to unite in raising awareness about elder abuse, addressing its causes, and finding solutions.

Established in 2006, the observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day enables nations to reflect upon the wellbeing of their ageing populations. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day reminds citizens and decision-makers to prioritise the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of elders. The urgent need for New Zealanders to address this issue is highlighted by the Ministry of Social Development's estimates that one in ten older adults may experience some form of abuse. The day aims to catalyse a country-wide conversation about the measures required to protect older citizens from injustice and harm.

Throughout New Zealand, different groups and organisations take part in various activities to mark the occasion. These may include educational workshops, awareness-raising events, and the dissemination of resources to inform the public about the issue. Social service providers, care facilities, and related organisations may coordinate efforts to offer support and assistance to older individuals and their families. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is commemorated annually on the 15th of June, providing a regular reminder of the importance of safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of New Zealand's ageing population.

Facts about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that 1 in 6 older adults worldwide experienced some form of elder abuse in the past year.
• Women tend to be more at risk of elder abuse than men. This is due to factors such as longer life expectancy, higher likelihood of living alone, and a higher prevalence of widowhood among older women.
• It is estimated that only about 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse is reported to authorities. Factors that contribute to underreporting include fear, shame, dependence on the abuser, cognitive impairments, and lack of awareness or accessible reporting mechanisms.
• Elder abuse remains a hidden issue in New Zealand due to underreporting. Many elderly individuals are reluctant to seek help or report abuse due to fear, shame, or a lack of understanding about what constitutes abuse.
• Risk factors for elder abuse include social isolation, cognitive impairment, dependency on caregivers for assistance, history of abuse in the family, and financial dependence.

In the News and Trending in NZ for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Top things to do in NZ for this observance

• Check out 10 priorities focused on health and ageing.
• Learn more about the UN's Decade of Healthy Ageing.
• Watch a documentary to learn about the issue of elder abuse in New Zealand. Here are our recommendations:
  1. Aged to Perfection (2006) - This documentary offers an insightful look into the lives of elderly individuals in New Zealand, highlighting various experiences, including instances of abuse and neglect in their daily lives.
  2. Elder Abuse - It's Not Just Bruises (2017) - This short documentary by NZ On Screen discusses the different forms of elder abuse and includes interviews with experts and advocates working to protect the elderly in New Zealand.
  3. The Golden Hour (2012) - This documentary captures the plight of elderly people living in rest homes in New Zealand and raises concerns about their treatment and care.
• Read a book to learn more about the issue of elder abuse in New Zealand. Here are our suggestions:
  1. Elder Abuse: A New Zealand Perspective by Chris Harris
  2. Responding to Elder Abuse: A Guide for Developing and Implementing Prevention and Intervention Strategies in New Zealand by Amanda Jones
  3. Elder Law in New Zealand by Kate Diesfeld and Alison Douglass
  4. Preventing the Abuse and Neglect of Older New Zealanders by Age Concern New Zealand