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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025, observed on June 15, raises awareness about elder mistreatment, neglect, and abuse. This global observance promotes dignity, rights, and safety for older adults, especially in long-term care settings.
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June 14, 2025
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a globally recognised observance aimed at highlighting the mistreatment, neglect, and violence faced by the elderly. Held annually on June 15, it brings together governments, communities, and individuals to facilitate a culture of dignity, respect, and protection for senior citizens. The day highlights the importance of safeguarding the human rights of older adults and raising public consciousness about the silent epidemic of elder abuse.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025, observed on June 15, is a global call to action to highlight and combat the mistreatment, neglect, and abuse faced by older adults. With the theme “Addressing Abuse of Older Adults in Long Term Care Facilities: Through Data and Action”, this year’s observance underscores the urgent need for safeguarding the dignity, rights, and safety of elders, especially in institutional care settings.
As the elderly population continues to rise globally and in India, this day encourages collective awareness, policy advocacy, and community involvement to protect one of the most vulnerable sections of society.
| World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025 | |
| Feature | Details |
| Name of Observance | World Elder Abuse Awareness Day |
| Date | June 15, 2025 |
| Day | Sunday |
| Established By | International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) & World Health Organisation |
| Recognized By | United Nations General Assembly (Resolution 66/127) |
| Theme for 2025 | “Addressing Abuse of Older Adults in Long Term Care Facilities: Through Data and Action” |
| Purpose | To raise global awareness about elder abuse and promote dignity, respect, and protection for seniors |
| Forms of Elder Abuse Highlighted | Physical, Emotional, Financial, Sexual, Neglect, and Social Abuse |
| Significance in India | Rising elderly population (expected 193.4 million by 2031), making elder care and rights crucial |
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025 traces its origins to a global call for action against the mistreatment of older persons. First established in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) and supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the observance gained international recognition when the United Nations General Assembly officially designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day through its resolution 66/127 in 2011.
Since then, this annual event has evolved into a crucial global platform that unites governments, organisations, and civil society in highlighting elder abuse issues, promoting protective policies, and fostering a culture of respect and dignity for senior citizens worldwide.
List Of International National Days 2025 Month-Wise List
The primary goal behind World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is to draw global attention to the physical, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse that many senior citizens endure. Elder abuse often goes unreported due to fear, shame, or lack of awareness. This day serves as a critical platform to:
The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025 theme is “Addressing Abuse of Older Adults in Long Term Care Facilities: Through Data and Action.” As the demand for institutional care increases globally, so does the risk of neglect and mistreatment within these settings. In 2025, the focus is on:
Elder abuse refers to actions or failures to act, within any relationship of trust, that cause harm or distress to an older person. Forms of abuse include:
| Type of Elder Abuse | |||
| Type of Abuse | Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
| Overall prevalence | 15.7% | Not enough data | 64.2% or 2 in 3 staff |
| Psychological abuse | 11.6% | 33.4% | 32.5% |
| Physical abuse | 2.6% | 14.1% | 9.3% |
| Financial abuse | 6.8% | 13.8% | Not enough data |
| Neglect | 4.2% | 11.6% | 12.0% |
| Sexual abuse | 0.9% | 1.9% | 0.7% |
Elder abuse is often committed by someone close to the victim, most commonly adult children or other relatives. Women, people with disabilities, and those living in rural, remote, or minority communities are disproportionately affected.
Risk factors include:
Elder abuse is a growing global concern, affecting millions of older adults each year. With the rise in the ageing population worldwide, cases of mistreatment are also increasing. According to WHO data, nearly 1 in 6 individuals aged 60 and above have experienced some form of abuse in community settings.
India is experiencing a rapid demographic shift, with a steadily growing elderly population due to increased life expectancy and declining birth rates. As per government projections, the number of senior citizens is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades, posing new social, economic, and healthcare challenges. Recognising these trends is crucial for framing effective policies to support the ageing population.
To address these evolving needs, several senior citizen schemes in India have been launched across ministries. These programs aim to empower older adults, promote healthy ageing, and provide safety nets for vulnerable elders.
These senior citizen schemes in India not only address economic and health concerns but also play a pivotal role in safeguarding older adults from exploitation and neglect.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to honour, support, and protect the elderly. As India and the world face the challenges of an ageing population, there is an urgent need to strengthen support systems, enhance awareness, and ensure that every older adult lives with dignity, security, and respect.
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