World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to highlight two things.
- First, it is a problem that exists in both developing and developed countries. Even if this situation is difficult to estimate precisely, it is estimated that the rate can go from 1% to 10%. This is already too much, as the United Nations emphasizes the social and moral significance of this phenomenon, demanding a global response to ensure the protection of the rights of the elderly.
Furthermore, the UN warns the world that older people are not just victims. They still have roles in our society as health workers, caregivers and providers of essential services.
- This day is also an opportunity to recall the existence of the Decade for Healthy Aging 2021-2030. The objective of this decade is to bring together governments, civil society, professionals and other stakeholders including the media to take concerted and collaborative action “to improve the lives of older persons, their families and the communities in which they live.”
In the wake of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is more important than ever to engage all stakeholders so that “no one is left behind so that all human beings can realize their potential in conditions of dignity and equality and in a healthy environment,” the UN stresses.
The plan for the Decade of Healthy Aging is available in English, Español and French.