World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was first launched in 2006 to bring attention to the growing issue of elder abuse. WEAAD provides us an opportunity to share knowledge and resources about elder abuse, and engage in conversations on how to stop and prevent elder abuse from occurring. Every year, an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that’s only part of the picture: Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as five cases go unreported*. The U.S. Administration on Aging’s National Center of Elder Abuse has ample resources and fact sheets on elder abuse, such as 12 Things Anyone Can Do to Prevent Elder Abuse.

On June 3, 2014, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder gave a special message on aging at the Older Persons’ Commission in Rochester, MI. Our President & CEO, Keith L. Morris, served as a panel member discussing elder abuse and exploitation and financial literacy. “We want Michigan to be a state where we live well and age well,” Snyder said. “Ensuring that more older adults have the opportunity to be healthy, independent and productive individuals in ‘age-friendly’ communities that support their needs will be critical as the state plans for the future. The simple truth is Michigan has more work to do to prepare for its aging population. It’s time to reinvent the way we think about aging in a positive way.” Watch the Governor’s special message here. 

Join us and “Take a Stand in the Fight Against Elder Abuse.” Learn how you can help in the fight against elder abuse.

*Administration on Aging, Protect Seniors in the Year of Elder Abuse Prevention