World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed every year on June 15. It was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly.
This day represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted on the older generations.
Elder abuse can be defined as a single or repeated act that harms or causes distress to an older person. It is a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older people.
For years, this matter has been left unattended and our elders have had to tolerate different kinds of abuse. People see elders as a burden sometimes and treat them however they deem fit, but that isn't right as our elders deserve the most compassion, love and more importantly respect.
Elder abuse is a problem that exists in both developed and developing countries.
Here are some quotes by people about old age:
1. To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent - that is to triumph over old age ~ Thomas Bailey Aldrich
2. Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative ~ Maurice Chevalier
3. The delight of opening a new pursuit or a new course of reading imparts the vivacity and novelty of youth even to old age ~Isaac D'Israeli
On this day and for the days to come, let us honour and respect our elders and if we see our elders being treated in an unruly fashion, then we should bring it to the attention of the authorities.
