06/15/2026
Today is World Elder Abuse awareness day.
So what is elder abuse? ChatGPT gave me the top five signs:
1. Unexplained injuries
2. Sudden changes in behaviour or emotional state
3. Poor hygiene or signs of neglect
4. Financial irregularities
5. Changes in relationships or living arrangements
I went even further to read an article from the United Nations United Nations that stated (full article is in the comments):
“Elder abuse remains widely under-recognized and under-reported. It can take many forms, including physical, psychological, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. It often occurs in situations where individuals lack visibility, support, or access to services. Addressing this issue requires more than raising awareness. It calls for stronger systems that can prevent abuse and respond effectively when it happens, while respecting the dignity, independence, and rights of older persons”.
So what action needs to be taken? According to the United Nations:
“Addressing Elder Abuse
Between 2019 and 2030, the number of persons aged 60 years or over is projected to grow by 38%, from 1 billion to 1.4 billion, globally outnumbering youth, and this increase will be the greatest and the most rapid in the developing world, and recognizing that greater attention needs to be paid to the specific challenges affecting older persons, including in the field of human rights.
Elder abuse is a problem that exists in both developing and developed countries yet is typically underreported globally”.
The answer is to REPORT!!
It affects families. Violates human rights!
I decided to become a volunteer for AgeUK, because I care a lot for the elderly. Being a volunteer and well trained, will connect me the elderly in the community and help me spot the signs should I encounter anyone in this situation.
Even more so, the elder abuse that happens in the Caribbean is kept quiet. Not anymore. Thanks to BARP BARP Barbados who have recognised this day, will create awareness in Barbados and hopefully other Caribbean islands will follow.
