National News

ISLAMABAD, Jun 14 (APP): World Elder Abuse Awareness Day will be
observe on June 15 across the globe with an aim to focus global attention on the problem of physical, emotional, and financial abuse of elders.
It also seeks to understand the challenges and opportunities presented
by an ageing population, and brings together senior citizens, and their
caregivers, academics, and the private sector to exchange ideas about how best to reduce incidents of violence towards elders, increase reporting of such abuse, and to develop elder friendly policies.
The United Nations (UN) has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse
Awareness Day (WEAAD).
Currently, the world undergoing significant demographic changes.
Estimates indicate that by 2050, the global population of people above the age of 60 will exceed the number of younger people.
These changes have led to a worldwide recognition of the problems and
challenges that face the elderly. Research has shown that elderly abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation is one of the biggest issues facing senior citizens around the world.
World Health Organization data suggests that 4 to 6 per cent of
elderly suffer from some form of abuse, a large percentage of which goes
unreported.
The purpose of the WEAAD is to encourage communities to recognize the
problem of elderly abuse, and for countries to create policies that foster
respect for elders and provide them the tools to continue to be productive
citizens.
The first WEAAD was observed in 2012, and was marked by meetings and
conferences at the UN headquarters in New York.
In addition to the WEAAD, the UN also observes an International Day of
Older Persons on October 1 every year to recognize the contributions of older persons and to examine issues that affect their lives.