Thread by @WHO

Today is #WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay!

1⃣ in 6⃣ older adults suffered some form of abuse last year

Let’s #StopElderAbuse

👉 bit.ly/2SoTjgp

What is elder abuse ⁉️

Elder abuse can take a number of forms:
☑️ Physical
☑️ Sexual
☑️ Psychological
☑️ Financial
☑️ Abandonment and neglect
☑️ Loss of dignity and respect

#StopElderAbuse

👉 bit.ly/2SoTjgp

Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences such as depression or anxiety.

Victims of elder abuse are 2⃣ times more likely to die prematurely.

#StopElderAbuse

👉 bit.ly/2SoTjgp

Risk factors that may increase the potential for abuse of an older person can be identified at different levels:

🔹individual
🔹relationship community
🔹socio-cultural levels.

Elder abuse can happen to anyone in the 🌍

#StopElderAbuse

👉bit.ly/2SoTjgp

The abuse of older adults occurs all too frequently but remains a largely hidden problem.

Only 4% of cases are reported.

#StopElderAbuse

👉 bit.ly/35jdMWM

Rates of elder abuse are 📈 higher in institutions such as nursing homes 🏥 and long-term care facilities.

2 in 3 staff 👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️ reported that they have committed abuse in the past year.

#StopElderAbuse

👉 bit.ly/2SoTjgp

There are many reasons why caregivers or family members perpetrate elder abuse:

🔹Alcohol and drug abuse
🔹High-stress levels
🔹Depression
🔹Lack of social support
🔹Lack of training
🔹Emotional or financial dependence

#StopElderAbuse

👉 bit.ly/2SoTjgp

Elder abuse cases have increased by 8⃣4⃣ % during the COVID-19 pandemic.

#StopElderAbuse

👉bit.ly/2SoTjgp

Elder abuse is predicted to increase in the 🌍 as many countries are experiencing rapidly aging populations.

In 2050 around 320 million people 👴👵 could be victims of elder abuse if the numbers remain constant.

#StopElderAbuse

👉 bit.ly/2SoTjgp

Here are 5⃣ measures governments around the 🌏 and the health sector can take to #StopElderAbuse 👇

Remaining active and engaged in society is 🗝️ for older people's health

👉bit.ly/3wpfbXp

In Singapore 🇸🇬 older people benefit from community services that can include activities and programs such as:

✅ social time with peers at senior activity centres
✅ therapeutic gardens
✅ online classes

👉 bit.ly/3wpfbXp

We should all keep in regular contact with caregivers of older members of our family and older friends, during #COVID19 and beyond, to prevent their social isolation

For more advice on older people and #COVID19 check 👉 bit.ly/37xNYXe