Hon Maggie Barry

Minister for Seniors
14 June 2016 Media Statement

Take a stand against elder abuse

Seniors Minister Maggie Barry says tomorrow’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity for New Zealanders to show all older people need to be respected and valued.

Ms Barry will host an event at Parliament tomorrow to mark the day alongside SuperSeniors Champions, who are articulate advocates for older people, strong voices against abuse and role models for positive ageing.

A new survey commissioned by the Office for Seniors, Attitudes Towards Ageing, reveals a large majority of New Zealanders respect and value older people, but problems remain in tackling social isolation, one of the key risk factors in elder abuse.

“While this research shows most people have positive attitudes towards older people – which is vital for senior’s self-esteem and wellbeing – it also shows we still have work to do.

“Social isolation and loneliness among our seniors is particularly concerning as it increases vulnerability to elder abuse and neglect.”

There are more than 2,000 reported cases of elder abuse and neglect a year, with many more incidences unreported.

“Around one in ten older people have experienced some form of abuse – the majority caused by family members and often emotional and financial rather than physical,” Ms Barry says.

“We need to get this shameful problem out of the shadows and confront the reality of how prevalent it is in our society.”

The Government directly funds 27 elder abuse and neglect prevention services around New Zealand, and Minister Barry wants to do more to tackle one of the contributing factors by addressing social isolation.

“Last year we launched the Community Connects programme as an umbrella group to bring together the large variety of seniors groups and work together towards building age-friendly communities,” Ms Barry says.

“Pilot projects are now underway in Kapiti, Hamilton and New Plymouth, and we’ll see more New Zealanders able to stay connected and lead fulfilling lives as they get older.”

Around the country, providers of elder abuse and neglect prevention services have events planned to mark Elder Abuse Awareness Week and show respect for seniors.

To find out more about WEAAD 2016 visit http://superseniors.msd.govt.nz/health-wellbeing/preventing-elder-abuse/weaad-2016.html

ENDS

© Scoop Media