2021 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Elder abuse can lead to serious distress, says US
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: With COVID-19 and the lockdowns, the elderly among us have become even more vulnerable to abuse, violence and lack of care. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed on June 15, aims to address the issues of abuse and lack of care faced by the elderly. "The COVID-19 pandemic is causing untold fear and suffering for older people across the world. Beyond its immediate health impact, the pandemic is putting older people at greater risk of poverty, discrimination and isolation. It is likely to have a particularly devastating impact on older people in developing countries," UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres said in his message on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Older persons often face discrimination in life-saving therapies during the pandemic. The pandemic also forced healthcare agencies to prioritize when critical services not related to COVID-19 is concerned. The pandemic has also hit the incomes and economic conditions of the elderly.
"Violence, abuse and neglect of older persons have been brought into sharp focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older persons are rights holders whose dignity and rights do not have an expiration date in later life," says UN expert on the rights of elderly people Claudia Mahler said.