World elder abuse awareness day

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — State leaders in Kentucky are set to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day this Friday, highlighting the importance of protecting elderly citizens from abuse and neglect.

An elder abuse awareness event will take place in the State Capitol Rotunda from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Friday morning. The event aims to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of elder abuse across the state.

Statistics on Elder Abuse:

• According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse.
• Financial exploitation is one of the most common forms of elder abuse, with estimates suggesting that older adults lose around $36.5 billion each year due to financial abuse and exploitation.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that elder abuse is vastly underreported, with only about 1 in 14 cases of abuse coming to the attention of authorities.

Elder abuse can take various forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. It is crucial for communities to recognize the signs of elder abuse and take action to protect vulnerable older adults.

State leaders encourage participation in the event to learn more about elder abuse prevention strategies and support services available for victims and their families.

For those unable to attend the event, resources and information on elder abuse prevention can be found through local agencies, elder advocacy groups, and state government websites.