"On this Day, I call upon Member States and civil society to strengthen their resolve and redouble their efforts to eliminate all forms of violence and abuse against older people." UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Anybody heard of World Elder Abuse Awarness Day??.I am sure that most of you haven't.I myself never thought,such a day will be given some importance.But then why is it significant??Why do we need such a day??
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The global population of people aged 60 years and older will more than double, from 542 million in 1995 to about 1.2 billion in 2025. Around 4 to 6% of elderly people have experienced some form of maltreatment at home. Elder maltreatment can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. The incidence of abuse towards older people is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations.

Elder abuse is a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community.

World Elder Abuse Awarness day  was launched on the 15 june in  2006 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.

Given below is the link to an article by Times Of India on Hospital reach out to elderly:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/de-stress/Hospitals-reach-out-to-elderly/articleshow/52757669.cms

Have you ever wondered how you could help the 'aged' around you??
For people who wants to make a difference,you have opportunities to volunteer or to create  volunteer projects.

     

Volunteer

“Things of the spirit differ from things material in that the more you give the more you have.”   ~Christopher Morle

• FIND OR CREATE A VOLUNTEER PROJECT
• Every day, volunteers work to educate stakeholders, improve conditions for vulnerable adults, and strengthen intergenerational ties. Share your skills, time and experience by finding or creating a volunteer project which serves a cause that’s important to you.
• Learn about local opportunities to become involved in programs that provide assistance and support for seniors and people with disabilities. Examples include:
  • Friendly Visitor
  • Telephone Reassurance Calls
  • Respite Care
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman
  • Volunteer Transportation
  • Meals on Wheels
  • Pet-Sitting or Pet-Walking
  • Organizing donation drives for Adult Protective Services clients and Long-Term Care Ombudsman residents
  • Organizing events and programs to honor elders and people with disabilities
  • Organizing events and programs to foster intergenerational respect and collaboration
  • Sharing information/Becoming a volunteer speaker on how to protecting against abuse, neglect and exploitation
  Visit Eldercare Locator’s Topic Page on Volunteerism, call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116, or visit one of the websites below to find or create a volunteer project that fits you.
  • United We Serve is a nationwide service initiative providing resources for not only finding volunteer opportunities in your community, but also creating your own.
  • RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people age 55 and over. Join RSVP and you join nearly 500,000 volunteers across the country who are tackling tough issues in their communities.
  Explore ways you can help make a difference
• For more details, visit :
  http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/Get_Involved/Volunteer/index.aspx