WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY (WEEAD)

About: 

• Date of observance: 15th of June every year. 
  
  
• Objective of the day: To voice opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted on elderly people. 
  
  
• History: It was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011 following a request by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. 
  
  

Elder abuse? 

• Forms: Elder abuse can take various forms such as physical, psychological or emotional, and financial abuse. 
  
  
• Extent: According to the UN, around 1 in 6 older people experience some form of abuse. 
  • It is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations. 
    
    
  • The global population of people aged 60 years and older will more than double, from 900 million in 2015 to about 2 billion in 2050. 
    
    
  
  
  
• Impact: Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. It is a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world.