NL Seniors' Advocate says "Ageism and elder abuse are connected"

    Tuesday, 18 June 2024 12:00

    By Tonya Organ

    Susan Walsh says there isn’t any data to recognize what level of ageism exists in this province, and it’s due to people not reporting it. Only one in five cases of financial abuse ever get reported.

    This past Saturday, June 15th, was World Elder Abuse Day and June is also National Seniors’ Month. NL Seniors’ Advocate Susan Walsh says the day is intended to raise awareness about elder abuse and neglect, and human rights. She says it’s important to remember the contributions of seniors and work on changing how some people view older people. Her office has taken the approach this year to really focus on ageism. Walsh says ageism leads to abuse and is the leading cause for elder abuse. There isn’t any data to recognize what level of ageism exists in this province, and Walsh says it’s due to people not reporting it. Only one in five cases of financial abuse ever get reported. Walsh says reports under the Adult Protection Act which requires everyone to report suspected cases of abuse, are on the rise and the majority of the cases are seniors over 65.

     

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