Re-examine Attitudes towards Ageing, Status of Older Persons, Secretary-General

 

Urges in Message for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

 

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, to be observed on 15 June:

Around the world, older persons are tragically subject to psychological, financial or physical abuse.  Unfortunately, too many older persons can be at risk.

Prejudicial attitudes contribute to the problem.  Today, let us re-examine our attitudes towards ageing and the status and role of older persons.  I urge Governments, civil society and communities to raise awareness about this challenge.  Governments, in particular, can help by enacting legislation to protect the abused and prosecute the abuser.

We owe it to older persons and societies at large to fight ageism in all its forms and enhance the dignity and human rights of older persons everywhere.

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