06/14/2026
Monday, June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. We need you to wear purple to help raise awareness.
Elder abuse isn't a headline from another state. It's happening right here, right under our noses.
It's helping an older adult with their finances, only to help themselves to their money.
It's the new "friend" who stops by a few hours a week, then a few hours a day, then moves in. And every other relationship suddenly sours.
It's the credit cards they never knew were opened , and are now responsible for.
Before COVID, an estimated 1 in 10 older adults experienced abuse. During COVID, it spiked to 1 in 5. And 75% of the time, the person responsible is a trusted family member or caregiver. That's why so much of it goes unreported.
Here's the good news: the single best defense against elder abuse is social connection. Every meal delivered, every ride, every class, every ombudsman visit, every game of dominoes at the senior center, these moments keep older adults visible, connected, and protected. That's the work AgeSmart and our partners do across all seven of our counties, every single day.
If you're worried about an older adult, you don't have to be sure. You just have to be concerned. One call to Adult Protective Services can change everything: 1-866-800-1409 (run locally by our friends at SIVNA) or visit ilaging.illinois.gov.
And tomorrow (Monday) — wear purple.
You don't need a fancy ballgown. A shirt, a ribbon, socks, whatever you've got. Then tell one person why you're wearing it. Awareness is how we create change together.
