June 15, 2021, is Worldwide Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Elder abuse involves issues such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, undue influence, neglect, and abandonment. Unfortunately, these crimes often fly under the radar and seem to be increasing each year. This is partly because our elder population is surging at such a tremendous rate of growth.

Elder abuse is unacceptable by any consideration. Older adults have vulnerabilities that are often part of the natural aging process — one I should remind the reader we will all experience. They may be frail, experience issues with balance, are still driving when they really should “hang up the keys,” experience health problems, or have issues with memory, all of which can be concerning and frustrating for family. It is difficult for everyone, for instance, when an older adult cannot remember a conversation from last week about turning a driver’s license into DMV. Sometimes these exchanges produce anger and loud verbal outbursts that only seem to escalate each time they come around. It is easy for older adults to feel intimidated and frightened in their own home.

Older adults constitute one of the most admirable groups of all time. Not only did the oldest of our older adults keep the world free by fighting in WW II but older adults, for the most part, are honest to a fault, believe that people only tell the truth, are supportive and loving toward family, and may have the house paid off and a little ‘nest egg’ put away for their retirement years. These positive attributes can also become fertile soil for abuse.

Jefferson County has the largest population of older adults in Colorado; there are 99,000 adults aged 65-plus. In the United States at least 10% of adults 65 or more will experience some form of elder abuse each year. Annual losses for this group, due to financial exploitation, are $37 billion. Many older adults are ashamed or embarrassed to report mistreatment, especially when it is committed by a family member or caregiver.

Elder abuse is a complex issue that will require all concerned citizens to be proactive in order for a dent to be made in the number of cases. We have an elder abuse reporting statute that requires most individuals working with and having contact with older adults to report any suspected abuse to law enforcement. Each of us can make sure we are talking with older family and friends about daily concerns and issues in their lives; one simple conversation could surface elder abuse and stop it from occurring.

Worldwide Elder Abuse Awareness Day is meant to remind all of us of this despicable crime against precious older adults and make every personal attempt to reduce the incidence. If we all work together, making no excuses for the occurrence of this crime, perhaps we can assist to create a safer and more honorable world for older adults — just as they created and left for us.

If you are ready to schedule a crime prevention seminar for your group (retirement community, faith community, service organization, etc.), please contact Cary Johnson at 303-271-6970 or csjohnso@jeffco.us