World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is entering its 20th year, shining a light on seniors in the community and their right to live without abuse or discrimination.
The theme this year is “Be Bold: Age with Attitude”, to celebrate the strength, wisdom, and resilience of older adults.
Elder abuse is often hidden and can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, or neglect.
Maria Perretta, executive director of the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society said it is important to recognize World Elder Abuse Day to help mitigate some of the myths and misconceptions of what elder abuse actually can be.
“When people hear the term Elder Abuse most people immediately think of physical abuse in a long term care type environment or by a stranger. But the reality is it happens in every community and often it’s at home in relationships of trust,” she noted.
“It isn’t strictly physical abuse either, it can be financial abuse or even neglect or self-neglect. These forms are quieter, easier to miss and often harder for seniors to talk about. It’s important to educate people on what it means and how to help someone or help themselves,” said Perretta.
This year, the Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Katzie Community Response Network will be hosting an awareness event from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, at the Pitt Meadows Farmers Market, in Spirit Square.
The network will be collaborating with the Mad Hatters, a local organization that brings awareness about mental illness. The two groups will be hosting a tea party with biscuits.
City of Pitt Meadows digital signs on Harris Road and Lougheed Highway will also be changed to awareness posters in support of the event.
In Maple Ridge there will be a special awareness booth and lunch at Chartwell Willow Manor on June 15, for the residents.
The purple iris campaign will also be taking place where members of the Maple Ridge Gardeners Club donated irises that can be seen in planters at Brimming Organic Community Garden at the corner of 220 St. and Lougheed Highway.
Christina Shearme, executive director of the local Seniors Network, said conversations about elder abuse can be challenging to start and that’s why it is important to build awareness, and provide easy opportunities for people to ask questions and get resources.
“Much of our work for the community is accomplished through our many ambassadors, who have learned the signs to look for and know where to reach out if they are concerned about a friend, neighbour or loved one being abused, neglected or self neglecting,” she explained.
“It is our hope that we can all look out for one another.”
Launched in 2006, the goal of the global movement is to celebrate older adults, and to educate and advocate for the elimination of elder abuse.
The day is marked each year on June 15, and is an official United Nations International Day acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.