Latest news with #WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
‘Solidarity, not sympathy': Kolkata campaign centres dignity of the elderly
Kolkata In a social ecosystem where the elderly often find themselves isolated, battling loneliness and depression with few avenues for expression or support, a citywide campaign currently underway in Kolkata seeks to reconnect them with the world beyond their often-empty homes. Launched in mid-April at the Asiatic Society by the Department of Psychiatric Social Work at SSKM Hospital, in collaboration with the National Institute of Social Defence — a Central government body — the initiative will conclude with a West Bengal-level conference at the Indian Museum on June 22. A significant milestone in the campaign came on June 15, observed globally as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, during an event at the Kolkata Police Training School. In a departure from conventional observances, caregivers and family members were not invited. The event gave the stage exclusively to older adults, who spoke candidly about experiences of neglect and psychosocial distress — concerns often overlooked in discussions around India's ageing population. 'Mental healthcare for older adults is not optional — it's essential. Wrongly labelling depression or dementia as 'normal ageing' delays care and deepens suffering,' Dr. Amit Bhattacharya, Professor of Psychiatry at SSKM Hospital, said underscoring the urgency of the campaign's goals. One of the campaign's most poignant moments, according to organisers, was a theatre performance titled Banchbo Mora Eksathe (We Will Survive Together) by the group Janhabi Sanskritik Chakra. The performance conveyed the message that dignity is not a favour but a fundamental right. 'This campaign is not about sympathy — it is about solidarity. When someone says, 'No one has asked me in years how I feel,' it shakes you. Right to dignity cannot expire with age,' Mayank Kumar, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychiatric Social Work and project head, said. Reflecting on the emotional resonance of the sessions, Manisha Manna, an scholar and facilitator, said, 'Several participants broke down. For some, it was the first time anyone asked how they were doing emotionally. One woman held my hand and cried — not because of anything I said but because someone finally cared to ask. It reminded me that we don't always need grand solutions. We just need to listen.' The Kolkata Police, which partnered for the June 15 event, runs a separate programme for senior citizens called PRONAM. 'Our programme has around 26,000 members enrolled. Any resident of Kolkata above 60 and living alone or with a spouse can enrol with us. We have a dedicated helpline and a call centre for them. Police persons keep visiting members regularly to provide them a sense of security,' said Santosh Pandey, Additional Commissioner of Police. The final event on June 21–22 will bring together experts from institutions such as NIMHANS, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), and Delhi University. 'India currently has over 104 million citizens aged 60 and above, according to Census 2011, and this number is expected to nearly double by 2050. Globally, it is estimated that 7% of older adults live with depression, 5% with dementia, and 2% with anxiety disorders. In India, however, such conditions often remain undiagnosed and untreated, usually dismissed as part of 'normal ageing',' said Mr. Kumar.
Irish Independent
17-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
HSE reveals in Cork that over 800 concerns of elder abuse were reported to it in region last year
To mark the day, HSE South West has launched a series of videos and events. The theme of this year's safeguarding awareness campaign is "Loneliness – Connection is Protection." Most older people live independent and active lives. However, loneliness and social isolation leaves older people vulnerable to abuse and risk of exploitation, the health body said. A short series of safeguarding awareness clips can be found on HSE South West's YouTube channel and on social media, focusing on topics such as an introduction to safeguarding and how to recognise abuse, support people to know how to report concerns of abuse and encourage our older population to stay connected. The Safeguarding Team is also visiting several organisations in the region to promote awareness. Cork City Council and Kerry County Council are supporting the campaign by lighting up their buildings purple on June 15, the colour associated with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Miriam Tobin, Principal Social Worker with the Safeguarding and Protection Team in HSE South West, said: "There is nothing more lonely or terrifying than feeling unheard. An older person who had a large circle of friends, a fulfilling career, or a wide range of exciting hobbies may feel embarrassed, or may find it difficult, to talk about feeling lonely as they get older. 'The most common issue we are told about is the older person not being listened to. People can experience loneliness if they don't feel understood or valued by the people around them. Stop, take the time to listen properly, and do what you can to help our elders live out their best lives, in safety and comfort. Being there to listen and reassure, creating a safe space to connect, can make the world of difference to how a loved one feels.' Loneliness is not always visible; it can affect people with a network of support around them. Loneliness can lead to an increase in emotional, physical, and financial vulnerability and can result in physical health problems. Abuse can take place in the person's home or in places assumed to be safe such as hospitals, residential homes, or day centres. Abuse can be deliberate, or it can be caused by a lack of knowledge or through neglect. Types of abuse include emotional, physical and sexual abuse, neglect of a person's basic or health needs, and financial and online abuse such as scams or exploitation. Watch out for any signs of elder abuse and know how and when to report it to a professional or service known to you. You can contact the HSE South West Safeguarding Team on 021 4927550 or Freephone 1800 225 500 between 9am-1pm and 2pm-4pm Monday to Friday.
Global News
17-06-2025
- Health
- Global News
B.C. seniors' centre grapples with booming demand, tight budget
A seniors' centre on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast says it's struggling to stay afloat, despite surging membership. The Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre bills itself as a 'home away from home' to its community. For just $40 a year, members get access to a place to come socialize or play a game, to take an inexpensive class or to get a meal. 'Everything is fairly low cost … things like yoga classes, fitness classes,' centre president Richard Wood explained. It's been a major hit. 4:30 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Wood said the activity centre's membership has surged to 2,000, doubling in three years. Story continues below advertisement One of the most popular services it provides is food — both hot lunches and frozen meals to go. Head cook Emily McPherson started freezing meals more than a decade ago on the request of one client who had come to rely on the centre. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'In 2013 when we used to close the centre for lunch over the summer, one of the guests who was coming every single day for food, she said, 'Well, what am I gonna eat?'' she said. Demand for the service surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and has become even greater amid the rising cost of living, Wood said. 'There might be a single pensioner on a pension that isn't rising, food prices are rising astronomically, they can't afford to go buy all the ingredients to make a recipe,' he said. 'With our frozen foods, we've got probably 25 different recipes.' Income disparity has become a real issue for seniors, not only on the Sunshine Coast but across the country. Retirement for some means just scraping by, and a recent report from B.C.'s seniors advocate found that one in four British Columbian seniors' incomes are below the poverty line. The centre operates on a budget of about $650,000 and just broke even last year. Story continues below advertisement They own their building, but still have to deal with property taxes and the cost of maintenance and upkeep. 3:21 B.C. seniors waiting for years for affordable housing 'The big deal is that we receive no guaranteed yearly funding, we don't have any government handouts, etc. … we have to raise all the money ourselves,' Wood said. 'All the volunteers we have are the only reason this place works at all,' Added McPherson. 'That's a huge cost savings that we're able to pass on as food savings for our membership.' Lunch is typically packed, with hot meals going for $12 and frozen dinners priced at $6 to $8. Last month, they sold nearly 2,500 of the frozen meals, but the rising cost of food has forced them to get creative to cover the bills. Story continues below advertisement They've recently started trying to run monthly online 50-50 draws, with half the purse going to cover their food program. But Wood admits there are challenges with the draw — including savvy online seniors fearing it could be a scam. But until they can secure a more stable source of funding, it's keeping the lights on — and members with tummies full and smiles on their faces. 'We just want to make it a joy to be here, and if somebody just needs to get out of their house because they are feeling lonely, they can come here,' he said. 'So if we can get people in here enjoying a $12 meal, but then meeting people and it turns into a conversation, that's what the seniors need.'
The Citizen
16-06-2025
- The Citizen
Elderly people still targets of brutal attacks and murders in Eastern Cape
Police have also previously confirmed that some of these attacks are perpetrated by their family members. In a country battling the scourge of crime, Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, has confirmed that elderly citizens are not spared from it. Tolashe was in the Eastern Cape to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Sunday, where she called on the community members to stand up for the elderly. In the Eastern Cape, the Fort Beaufort area, particularly the Amathole District Municipality, has been identified as a hotspot for brutal attacks on the elderly. ALSO READ: Elderly mother and son shot dead in KZN The area has recorded three incidents of brutal attacks and murders of older persons this year. These include 101-year-old Tototo Elina Masana, two sisters – the 85-year-old Ntombekhaya Magida and 75-year-old Nomfanelo Magida and two sisters – Nonyameko Victoria Nekile and Nozintombi Getrude Gxabashe. Elderly citizens are attacked on accusations of witchcraft, while others have not been spared by extortionists, who prey on them for their grant money. Police have also previously confirmed that some of these attacks are perpetrated by their family members. ALSO READ: 'Madiba never hid money under his mattress,' Malema tells elderly in Soweto 'Elderly women are brutally attacked and killed by ruthless cowards in their homesteads, and some are dying in the hands of their grandchildren. As a community, we must work together to protect the vulnerable and improve morals and good ethical behaviour,' Amathole District Commissioner Major General Xakavu previously said. Attacks on elderly citizens continue Tolashe said on Sunday that the elderly are increasingly becoming victims of acts of violence. 'Many innocent people, especially women, have lost their lives due to false accusations of practising witchcraft without any evidence. Torturing and various forms of violence against older persons accused of witchcraft constitute an infringement of their fundamental Human Rights. ALSO READ: Wife, son and grandson charged with murder of elderly businessman 'Any form of abuse, neglect and exploitation of an older person is not only morally wrong, but also a punishable offence in terms of the Older Persons Act (Act No. 13 of 2006). Despite this and other similar legislation, persecution of elderly women suspected of witchcraft continues unabated in some parts of our country, and this is totally unacceptable.' Tolashe called on community members to report such cases to a local social worker or police. 'As a society, we cannot afford to become numb to these acts of violence against our people. We can no longer afford to be bystanders, for if we do, we risk being complicit. Respect for our elders is a common theme across many religions worldwide, if not all of them.' Tolashe further held a dialogue with young people, urging them to join the fight against the abuse of older persons. 'This involves raising awareness about elder abuse, supporting initiatives to prevent it, and advocating for community-level action in protecting the elderly from various forms of abuse, neglect and exploitation.' READ NEXT: Extortionists in SA now target disabled and elderly for their grant money
West Australian
15-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Bianca Marson Whait: One in six older Australians experience abuse or mistreatment
The world as we know it is changing rapidly, and I'm not talking about AI or other new technologies, although they will certainly have a role to play. Significant shifts are happening in the realm of ageing. The 2021 Australian Census of Population and Housing recorded more than 428,000 people over the age of 65 living in Western Australia. If you've been around a while, you'll know that life goes faster the longer we live it, so the projected jump to 660,000 older Western Australians in the next five to 10 years will happen in the blink of an eye. There is also a cultural shift happening in the expectations seniors have of the world they live in. Our future seniors will generally be healthier and wealthier in their older age than previous generations. This certainly sounds like a good thing on the surface, but there's a danger lurking, and that danger is ageism. This weekend marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It aimed to highlight the fact that one in 6 older Australians experience abuse or mistreatment. Research shows these experiences often go unnoticed and are under-reported. This figure comes from a 2020 survey by the Australian Institute of Family Studies — currently our best national data, though much has changed since. The growing housing crisis, insecure employment and cost of living pressures not only impact older people directly, they also create a perfect breeding ground for ageist attitudes and elder abuse to thrive. Social media platforms and dinner table conversations are full of generational comparisons. The Baby Boomers, now in their 60s and 70s are frequently at the centre of housing affordability debates. Clearly, there's envy from younger generations, whose dreams of home ownership are becoming unattainable as real wage growth and market pricing getting wider. What we don't see discussed often enough is the pressure for older people to open their homes to adult children. Whether through job loss, divorce, or the lack of affordable rental accommodation, many adults are finding themselves unable to fly the family nest, or ending up back in it, due to necessity rather than choice. Intergenerational households have significant benefits, but they can also place incredible strain on family relationships. Close proximity and the desire to support children or other family members place older people at significant risk of exploitation. We need society to recognise that abuse, mistreatment and neglect are never the fault of the older person. It is up to all of us to respect and uphold the rights of our ageing population. So how do we do we shift away from ageist attitudes? We must make it easier for older people to maintain their independence, mobility, connection and decision making. With 20 per cent of our population soon to be over 65, ageing must now be central to how we plan. The independence we value in youth should remain a choice in later life, with dignity at its core. It's time to challenge ageism and elder abuse head on and create a future where growing older is highly valued, not considered a burden to family or the community at large. Ageing is a privilege, and we owe it to ourselves to shape a future that reflects how we want to live as we grow older.
