World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, marked every year on June 15, acknowledges elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.
According to the United Nations, elder abuse is a problem that is present in both developing and developed countries, and is generally underreported.
While the global pandemic has put many older people's health at risk, it has also impacted their social networks, health services, jobs and pensions.
“Global inequalities mean that, already pre-COVID-19, as many as half of older persons in some developing countries did not have access to essential health services,” reads the UN website.
Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, said in a statement that the impact on health and long-term care services for older persons need to be recognized and confronted.
“Older people have the same rights to life and health as everyone else. Difficult decisions around life-saving medical care must respect the human rights and dignity of all,” said Guterres.
