World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The global population of people aged 60 years and older will more than
double, from 542 million in 1995 to about 1.2 billion in 2025. Around 4 to 6% of
elderly people have experienced some form of maltreatment at home. Elder
maltreatment can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological
consequences. The incidence of abuse towards older people is predicted to
increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations.

Elder abuse is a global social issue which affects the health and human
rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which
deserves the attention of the international community.

The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 66/127,
designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It represents the one day
in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and
suffering inflicted to some of our older generations.