Closing The Circle To Prevent Elder Abuse

“I call upon Governments and all concerned actors to design and carry out more effective prevention strategies and stronger laws and policies to address all aspects of elder abuse.”- Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. In many parts of the world elder abuse occurs with little acknowledgment or response. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 1 in 6 people over 60 years of age suffer from abuse. Alarmingly, nearly 141 million people globally are impacted by elder abuse. It is widely believed that this number may be much higher as neglect, abuse and violence of older people are among the most hidden and underrepresented violations of human rights. The United Nations (UN) defines elder abuse as a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person. It 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. Elder abuse is the mistreatment of an older person that is committed by someone with whom the older person has a relationship of trust such as a partner, health care provider, family member, friend or caregiver/s. Elder abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect. Elder maltreatment can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. Importantly, the World Health Organization (WHO) describes elder abuse as a violation of human rights and a significant cause of illness, loss of productivity, isolation and despair. The United Nations has designated June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This year’s theme is: "Closing the Circle: Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Older Age Policy, Law and Evidence-based Responses". The theme underscores the intersection of gender-based violence and elder abuse, specifically focusing on the experiences of older individuals. The theme also recognizes that older adults, particularly older women can be vulnerable to various forms of violence, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. Unfortunately, such forms of abuse are often influenced by social, cultural and gender dynamics. It is critical that our parliamentarians craft the required legal framework and policies to address the ever increasing cases of elder abuse. Those Impacted By Elder Abuse . Many of us find it difficult to believe that anyone could harm or hurt older people. Yet, for many older folks this nightmare occurs quite frequently. Sadly, in many countries there are no specific laws in place to protect older generations. As a result, those who inflict this form of abuse operate without impunity. 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% of older people. Elder abuse has been shown to affect women and men, people from different cultural backgrounds, people with different levels of education and wealth, and both city-dwellers and rural folks. The incidence of abuse towards older people is predicted to increase as many countries experience rapidly ageing populations. Although the extent of elder abuse is unknown, it is nonetheless 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. Elderly Mistreatment. Elder abuse can either be a single or recurring act, or a lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship. As we age the chances that we will require some form of assistance increases. In some cultural context the younger family members care for the elderly. In some instances nursing homes or institutional care might be required. For example, in Jamaica there are numerous practical nursing schools however, there is an urgent need for a standardized system regarding examination and training for those individuals who enter this profession. Furthermore the nursing home industry lacks proper regulatory government oversight. The government needs to examine these areas and implement the necessary supervisory framework. Our seniors desire this level of protection! Prevention. Any narrative regarding elder abuse must also take into account the well-being of those who are care-givers. Too often no one remembers the caregivers; an encouraging word goes a far way. The United Nations (UN) states that many strategies have been tried to prevent and respond to abuse of older people, but evidence for the effectiveness of most of these interventions is limited at present. Strategies considered most promising include caregiver interventions, which provide services to relieve the burden of care giving; money management programmes for older adults vulnerable to financial exploitation; emergency shelters; and multi-disciplinary teams, as the responses required often cut across many systems, including criminal justice, health care, mental health care, adults protective services and long-term care. Jamaica. Given the high rate of inflation, financial abuse is perhaps the most prominent form of abuse among senior citizens not only in Jamaica but in many jurisdictions. The reality is a sad one for many senior citizens, as after spending decades working and building the nation, their pensions cannot adequately take care of them. As a result many pensioners fall into poverty. Additionally, the safety net for seniors offered by the State is woefully insufficient. Unfortunately, we have not fostered a culture of caring for seniors. We have all witnessed occasionally how some of our seniors are disrespected regarding accessing services, yet many of us instead of intervening remain silent. It is by our silence that we too are accomplices to elder abuse. Data indicate that older persons account for 12.6 per cent of Jamaica’s population. That ratio is expected to double by 2050. Approximately, 350,000 Jamaicans are 60 years old and over. The UN states that 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. Let us therefore use the various spaces and social media platforms at our disposal to advocate on behalf of the elderly. Persons desirous to report cases of abuse against a senior citizen can contact the National Council for Senior Citizens’ hotline at 1-888-SENIORS or (876) 906-9277 or (876) 906-9278. Elder abuse is preventable. On this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day let us all recommit ourselves to become advocates regarding the eradication of the scourge of elder abuse from our society. In the words of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, we must show our elders the respect and care they deserve, and work together to prevent elder abuse in all its forms. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay #Jamaica