June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month

Elderbridge Agency on Aging

Elder Abuse Awareness Month June 2021

By Nancy Ketcham, Elder Rights Specialist

June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month.  Elderbridge Agency on Aging and the Iowa Association on Aging have determined that our focus this year is the “EFFECT of Social Isolation and Loneliness on Elders.†

We humans are social creatures by nature, so it is natural for us to engage and share experiences with others.  Over 40% of seniors, age 65 and older suffer from Social Isolation and Loneliness.  So about 7 million people suffer and become victims of elder abuse.

What causes social isolation and loneliness?  It is usually caused by low-quality of social relationships or lack of relationships entirely.  However many other things come into play, being of age 80 or older, not so mobile, poor eyesight or hearing, chronic health problems, and a broken family structure. 

What are the EFFECTS of Social Isolation and Loneliness?  Social withdrawal, lack of interest in daily activities, boredom, loss of interest in personal hygiene, poor eating, and their environment is in disrepair.  We see excessive clutter or hoarding, poor sleep quality, obesity, impaired function and cognitive decline. 

Since COVID we have seen a strong increase of social isolation and loneliness which has led to neglect and self-neglect.  Social isolation and loneliness triggers the “FIGHT or FLIGHT†signal as most elders just want to fly away from it all.

What does Elderbridge Agency on Aging do?  We help people with a sense of purpose and belonging by connecting them with providers to help them with their needs, such as homemaker services, lifeline, nursing care and meals. We connect them to groups and communities.  We help bring back community events, parties, family events & gatherings.  Co-Housing is always a great option for living or encourage living in a senior housing complex where there are events, socialization and congregate meals.  We find ways to come together, get outdoors, attend celebrations, “see†people and honor those we care about. 

On behalf of victims of abuse everywhere please know that Elderbridge Agency on Aging is here for you.  Let us provide you with choices today and options for tomorrow.

Just call 1-800-243-0678 and our intake specialist will direct you to the right person to stop elder abuse, social isolation, loneliness, depression, anxiety and neglect. 

Give us a call   1-800-243-0678.

On behalf of victims of abuse everywhere please know that Elderbridge Agency on Aging is here for you! 

Let us provide you with choices today and options for tomorrow

Click on link below to see and hear Nancy Ketcham talk about Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

https://elderbridge.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/zoom_2.mp4