Life is a constant journey, from birth to death, but before we die for a normal complete life cycle, I mean without premature deaths, a person has to undergo an aging stage.
Aging is a stage in life where a human being experiences physical, psychological, and social changes, this stage requires a lot of attention, appreciation, and care, for this reason, the United Nations set aside June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The purpose of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elders.
According to United Nations, 1 in 6 people 60 years and older experienced some form of abuse in community settings during the past year, including in the institutions such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
At what age do we start referring to you as old? Well, each culture has a certain set of expectations and assumptions about aging, depending on how you will define it, but we have stages of adulting which include;
Early Adulthood, is the stage of life from the start of adulthood through age 34.
Middle adulthood, from age 35 to 64.
Old-Age, from age 65 until death.
UN considers 60 years and above as old age.
An elderly person experiences several major life changes which include career transitions and retirements, children leaving home, losing loved ones, physical and health challenges, and even a loss of independence, that is why they need to stay connected to the community and people around them.
The elderly are abused in different forms which include, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial/material exploitation, neglect, abandonment, and self-neglect.
TIPS ON HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THE ELDERLY
It is important to visit them often and let them know how much you care by spending some quality time with them.
Check their Medications, the elderly experience frequent health problems which may need medication, therefore sacrifice especially if they are your parents, it’s your time to look after them.
Hire Help, if financially okay, let them have a domestic manager, if not keep a close eye on them
Make Modifications in Their Home, and make their home look attractive and lively, nobody likes a boring home.
Keep Them Active, take them out for picnics, and holidays, and let them explore and smile more.