Do You Know About WEAAD?

I was raised to respect my elders and treat them with dignity. However, older adults aren't always offered the proper treatment that they deserve.

Wednesday, June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

Elder abuse takes many forms, including:

• Neglect or Isolation

• Physical abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Financial abuse and exploitation

• Emotional or psychological abuse (including verbal abuse and threats)

One way to show support for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is to wear purple on June 15!

See more information here: https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/ .

This fact sheet is especially helpful: https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/WEAAD-Factsheet-FAQs.pdf

Abuse and mistreatment is not, of course, the only challenge associated with growing older. There are physical and mental changes, as well as the need to adapt to a world that is increasingly different from the one in which one grew up! We lose loved ones, and face our own health issues. Change is stressful. The so-called "golden years" aren't always golden. How do we handle it?

On Thursday, June 16, at 2 p.m., we will be discussing Mental and Emotional Wellbeing for Older Adults. Emily Brick, Therapist from Conemaugh Health System's Senior Solutions program, will join us as a resource person. Come, join the conversation! It's free, and there will be snacks!