The United Nations(UN’s) World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is annually observed across the globe on 15 June to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect, and mistreatment faced by older persons.
- The day highlights the importance of upholding the dignity and rights of senior citizens and promotes a better understanding of the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to elder abuse.
Theme:
The theme for WEAAD 2025 is “Addressing Abuse of Older Adults in Long Term Care Facilities: Through Data and Action”, which focuses on tackling abuse in nursing homes and assisted living centres by using evidence-based approaches to inform policy and practice.
Background:
i.The New York (United States of America, USA) based International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), in collaboration with the Geneva (Switzerland) based World Health Organization (WHO), initiated the observance of WEAAD in 2006.
ii.On 19th December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/66/127, officially recognising 15th June as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
iii.The first official UN-recognised WEAAD was observed on 15th June 2012.
Note: The WHO defines elder abuse as any intentional or repeated act—or omission of appropriate care, occurring in a trusted relationship that causes harm or distress to an older adult.
Event 2025:
i.A virtual conference was held on 16th June 2025, where leading experts shared evidence, good practices, and solutions to strengthen the rights and dignity of older people in institutional care.
ii.An event titled “Addressing Abuse of Older Persons in Institutions” will be held on 19th June 2025 in Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland, as part of the 59th Session of the Geneva(Switzerland) based UN Human Rights Council(UNHRC) to commemorate WEAAD 2025.
- The event is being organised by the INPEA, the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Committee on Ageing Geneva, (Switzerland), the WHO, and the Permanent Missions of Montenegro and Slovenia to the UN office at Geneva (Switzerland).
- The Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP) is co-sponsoring the event.
iii.The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) observed WEAAD by promoting the hashtag #AgeingWithDignity on social media to emphasize the respect, rights, and well-being of senior citizens.
- As part of the initiative, the Government of India(GoI) is also highlighting the toll-free “Elder Line” helpline (14567), dedicated to supporting the needs and grievances of older adults.
Key facts:
i.Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, and financial abuse, neglect, abandonment, and denial of dignity and respect.
ii.By 2030, the number of people aged 60 or above is expected to increase by 38% to 1.4 billion globally.
iii.By 2050, 1 in 6 people globally will be aged 65 or above.
iv.An estimated 1 in 6 people aged 60 years and above experience abuse in community settings annually.
v.82% of COVID-19 related deaths globally occurred among individuals aged 60 or older.
