World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was created to promote a better understanding of the mistreatment and neglect of older adults by raising awareness, educating communities, and encouraging action to end elder abuse.
Elder abuse is more common than many people realize, and it affects everyone.
It can take many forms, including:
- Physical abuse
- Financial exploitation, including scams and fraud
- Emotional or psychological abuse
- Neglect or abandonment
- Sexual abuse
According to the National Council on Aging, approximately one in ten Americans aged 60 and older has experienced some form of elder abuse, but only about one in twenty-four cases is reported to authorities (National Council on Aging, 2021).
Why it matters
Elder abuse puts older adults at risk of serious harm, including depression, injury, hospitalization, premature death, or financial hardships. It also places a burden on families, service providers, and community resources.
How you can take action
WEAAD encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to come together and be part of the solution. Here are a few ways to help prevent elder abuse and raise awareness:
- Connect with older adults in your life and community. Meaningful relationships can reduce isolation, which is a major risk factor for abuse.
- Share this Scam Checklist to help seniors stay safe from fraud and identity theft.
- Support caregivers. Stress and burnout increase the risk of neglect. Offer a break, assist with errands, or share information about respite services like the Lifespan Respite Care Program and National Family Support Program.
- Ask local faith communities or senior centers to include information about elder abuse in newsletters or programming.
Use the Elder Justice Network Locator Map to find local organizations working to protect seniors. At ALA, we take elder abuse and its prevention seriously. As a provider of housing and social services for older adults across Los Angeles County, we work every day to ensure the safety and dignity of our residents. In our communities, neighborly connections often provide a protective layer against isolation and neglect.
But not all older adults have someone checking in on them. This June 15, and every day, reach out to the seniors around you. A simple conversation or kind gesture can have a lasting impact.
Connection Matters.
