Elder Abuse

There seems to be a day, a week, or month for every cause but the particular focus for today is a rather sobering one. At a time in life where people should be able to enjoy the fruits of many years hard work, and be honoured for their knowledge and contribution to our community, they can instead become vulnerable targets for those who would take advantage of them.

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. While elder abuse can take a number of forms, The most frequently reported abuse of elderly people in Western Australia is not physical but financial, according to a report released today. The report was commissioned by Advocare and conducted by the Crime Research Centre at the University of Western Australia.

During my morning radio program on 98.5 Sonshine FM this morning I spoke about the report and Elder Abuse Awareness Day with Advocare CEO Greg Mahney. You can click on the play button of the audio player below to hear our conversation.

One of the most disturbing aspects to elder abuse is that it is very often perpetrated by family or those closest to the victim.

What does it say about our society when those who should be honoured are being victimised? Have you seen examples of elder abuse? I’d be interested in reading your comments.

[audio:http://mpegmedia.sonshinefm.ws/feeds/MOR150611_1129.mp3]

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About the author

Rodney Olsen

Rodney is a husband, father, cyclist, blogger and podcaster from Perth Western Australia.

He previously worked in radio for about 25 years but these days he spends his time at Compassion Australia, working towards releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name.

The views he expresses here are his own.

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1 Comment

  • It makes me very, very sad to read about this. Esp since my Bro and me struggle quite hard with our Mum for years now. There are many moments where she acts like an angry, little child, it´s hard for us.

    We would never ever abuse her, in no way. But sometimes you just sit and feel like crying in despair. Actually… you do.
    So many E-Mails, so many phone-calls…

    How can your parent behave like an angry, nasty child at times? And times of this behaviour adding up, too. A lot.
    And no help around.
    Bro sees her every day but they don´t live in one household.
    Guess life would be easier if families lived together like in the old days. Giving perspectives to Elderlies.
    I´m kinda afraid .. no. I am afraid of being left alone and going “mad” when being old. Having a partner 7 years older doesn´t make it funnier. Having no family neither (but that was my choice).

    What does it say about our society… well. This Generation is maybe the first one to be selfish – because they can.
    And they will meet the day to see it was wrong, and suffer themselves. And maybe twice cause they understand what they did to their parents…
    (Sadly I wasn´t able to listen to your part of the program from here)

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