Mogale residents educated about elder abuse
The Department of Social Development raised awareness about the abuse of elders recently.
The Department of Social Development visited parts of Mogale on 11 June to educate residents on the abuse of elderly people in the country.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is celebrated on June 15 every year and an outreach programme was held to raise awareness about the issue.
According to the United Nations official website, between 2019 and 2030, the number of persons aged 60 years or over is projected to grow by 38% from one billion to 1.4 billion, globally outnumbering youth. This increase will be the greatest and the most rapid in the developing world and recognises that greater attention needs to be paid to the specific challenges affecting older persons, including in the field of human rights.
Elder abuse is a problem that exists in both developing and developed countries yet is typically underreported globally. Prevalence rates or estimates exist only in selected developed countries – ranging from 1% to 10%. Although the extent of elder mistreatment is unknown, its social and moral significance is obvious. As such, it demands a global multifaceted response that focuses on protecting older persons’ rights.
According to Christine Masilela Kumalo who manages the programme in Mogale City, they hope to educate residents to raise awareness on the abuse, neglect, ill-treatment and exploitation of older persons, highlight the developmental stages, promote the rights of older persons and empower older persons and the community to recognise and report abuse.
This year’s WEAAD theme was Spotlight on Older Persons in Emergencies, emphasising the urgent need to protect and support older individuals during crises. It calls on governments, international donors, organisations, and communities to prioritise the safety and well-being of older persons in their emergency preparedness and response strategies. It encourages the development of inclusive policies that ensure older persons are not overlooked during crises.
The day also highlights the importance of education and training for emergency responders, caregivers, and the public. By raising awareness about the specific challenges faced by older persons in emergencies, we can foster a more inclusive and protective environment.
