Gerard commenced his presentation stating that “older people have the right to be treated with respect and dignity, free from exploitation, violence, abuse, age discrimination and ageism”.
However, ageism and elder abuse occur every day across our community and affect the quality of life of older people. Many attendees were surprised to hear that elder abuse is predominantly perpetrated by the sons and daughters of older people in their own homes. The types of abuse suffered by older people include financial, emotional or psychological, social, physical and neglect. These can include things such as forced changes to legal documents, misappropriation of money/assets, preventing contact with family or friends, slapping, sexual abuse and withholding the necessities of life and access to aged care services.
Ageist attitudes such as negative media presentations of ageing, the stigma attached to older people (assuming lack of capacity and capability) and discrimination based on age, affect how we see and treat older people. It also affects how they see themselves with many reporting experiences of feeling invisible in our community. Elder abuse prevention on the other hand involves empowering older people and upholding their autonomy, dignity and right to self-determination.
We can all help prevent ageism and elder abuse by practicing the eight attributes of ageing well and encouraging older people to do likewise. These include having a positive attitude, seeing life as having purpose and meaning no matter your age, be respectful and respected, stay connected to family, friends and society, stay in touch with a changing world (be tech savvy), be able to maintain your health including mental health, be able to get around and ensure you have financial and medical powers of attorney nominating someone you trust for when you may need it.
We should all treasure our older generation for their wisdom and their ongoing contribution to society. We should show our respect, care for them, and show that they have special value and purpose!
Attached here is a copy of Gerard's presentation slides.
