GEORGE NEWS - On Friday 15 June, the streets of Rosemoor were filled by a crowd of marching people holding placards that shouted the message: Stop abusing our elderly! It was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and locals who care ensured that the public was made aware.
Open your newspaper any day, listen to the radio, watch TV and you will find reports of shocking crimes, intimidation and exploitation committed against older persons. Is this what they deserve at the end of their lives and will this be our fate as well?
Gone are the days when our elderly enjoyed security, respect and appreciation. Today many view them as a general nuisance and worthless. This is despite the fact that they are transferring skills, offering guidance, education and caring for their grandchildren, even with poor health and hardly any money.
Regular TV reports show grandparents stuck with the responsibility of funding the educational and social needs of grandchildren, using their grant of R1 600 per month intended for their own basic needs!
Instead of being cared for and honoured in their old age, they are now being abused financially, psychologically, physically - and sometimes sexually - by their own family members. What a disgrace that they have to endure so much stress, frustration and sadness in their twilight years.
Teach the children to become caring, respectful and responsible adults. Pophuis Crèche entertained the attendees after the march.
Awareness day
Because elder abuse has no boundaries, Age-in-Action together with the George Municipality held the awareness march on 15 June. The aim was to take a stand against elder abuse, to highlight the importance of identifying abuse and to learn what action can be taken to prevent and hopefully curb it.
Pricilla Page and Cynthia Danhouse did their bit to ensure Rosemoor was made aware of elder abuse.
The day was kicked off with the march led by the Pacaltsdorp Brigade. They came to a stop at the Rosemoor Service Centre, where the formal event was held. Here different stakeholders, including Age-in-Action, Phambili Refuge for battered women and children, George Municipality, Sassa and the deputy mayor, addressed the elderly. The crowd was also entertained by Pophuis Crèche.
Please report any elder abuse to Age-in-Action on 044 874 2936 or 063 809 9726.
Pacaltsdorp Brigade led the march through the streets of Rosemoor.
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