Unfortunately, the abusers of the vulnerable seniors often have their own special brand of excuses.
They are absolutely wrong. To abuse a senior, be it a charge of the carer or a relative, is a violation of the senior’s human rights.
Why should the elderly be treated differently? They should have the same rights to care, welfare and respect. They should be able to live out their twilight years in peace, safety and dignity.
Therefore, any act that deprives the elderly of his/her assets, freedom, welfare and dignity is a violation of his/her Human Rights.
Why should we care?
Old age is the inevitable stage, the majority of us will reach eventually. Anything you do now, to ensure that the Human Rights of the elderly is preserved, is also an act that ensures that your own rights are NOT violated when you reach old age.
Physical abuses are easily detected or recognized. It is the emotional/psychological abuses that are harder to detect and to report.
Emotional or psychological abuse is the infliction of mental or emotional anguish or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts.
Unfortunately, many of these sort of elder abuses are committed by adult children or relatives of the elderly. For obvious reasons, victims of such abuses do not want to report the abuses.
It is time we all take a closer look at these sorts of elder abuse and work towards awareness and prevention programs.
Elder abuse is a complex issue that no single individual or organization can tackle without help from governments.
Everyone of us should help to spread the news – Elder Abuse is a Violation of Human Rights.
REMEMBER 15 June: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
More information from International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
Posted by Andrew
They are absolutely wrong. To abuse a senior, be it a charge of the carer or a relative, is a violation of the senior’s human rights.
Why should the elderly be treated differently? They should have the same rights to care, welfare and respect. They should be able to live out their twilight years in peace, safety and dignity.
Therefore, any act that deprives the elderly of his/her assets, freedom, welfare and dignity is a violation of his/her Human Rights.
Why should we care?
Old age is the inevitable stage, the majority of us will reach eventually. Anything you do now, to ensure that the Human Rights of the elderly is preserved, is also an act that ensures that your own rights are NOT violated when you reach old age.
Physical abuses are easily detected or recognized. It is the emotional/psychological abuses that are harder to detect and to report.
Emotional or psychological abuse is the infliction of mental or emotional anguish or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts.
Unfortunately, many of these sort of elder abuses are committed by adult children or relatives of the elderly. For obvious reasons, victims of such abuses do not want to report the abuses.
It is time we all take a closer look at these sorts of elder abuse and work towards awareness and prevention programs.
Elder abuse is a complex issue that no single individual or organization can tackle without help from governments.
Everyone of us should help to spread the news – Elder Abuse is a Violation of Human Rights.
REMEMBER 15 June: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
More information from International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
Posted by Andrew
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2 comments:
Thank you for increasing awareness of this important issue. Elder abuse saddens and angers me.
I realize this may be slightly off topic but I need to vent...
In Australia many of our seniors are living in poverty as the Aged Pension barely meets the rising costs of living. Despite a phenomenal federal budget surplus, upon unveiling the new budget last night the Australian Government virtually ignored the plight of the elderly. These people have worked their lives, contributed to the success of our nation, supported Australia with their taxes. This is how they are treated when in need?
If the leaders of our country cannot show respect for elders what hope is there for the rest of the country? I am ashamed to be an Australian today.
Thanks for letting me vent. Great post, keep up the great work you do!
~Kelleigh
Thanks for your thoughts on this important human rights issue. As the Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reminds us, “…recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”
Dave Donelson, author of Heart of Diamonds
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