June 15th
is
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
How sad is that?
That we need a day around the world
To pay attention to the fact that the elderly population
Are at risk
Of
Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation.
That they are hurt
Uncared for when they cannot care for themselves
Stolen from when they are vulnerable
Made to feel obsolete when they should be revered.
Wearing a color on a specific day does not change any of this.
But
You start by wearing purple because you are made aware.
Once you are aware,
You pay attention.
Once you pay attention
You choose to do nothing
Or you choose
To make a difference
In one elderly person’s life.
Be nice to the old people.
Show the next generation how to do it right
Before you are the next old generation.
Beautiful Colleen. Thank you- I dd not know there was such a day and I am glad there is.
There are many thinkers who consider the mark of civilization our treatment of the elderly, the vulnerable, the disenfranchised, the sick and the disabled. Using that criteria I am afraid that we fall far short of the level of civilization that we attribute to ourselves.
Great post – Thank you.
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I think you are right Paul.
Thank you my friend.
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It’s incredibly sad how older people are treated in our society, as you know Colleen because of the work you are in. We surely do need to be kinder and more understanding of our vulnerable citizens.
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And more involved Priceless. I am often times amazed at the elderly who have family who do not provide for them. We know there are always back stories and histories we are not privy to. But leaving a human being who is incapable of providing for their own needs to suffer, speaks more of the person who knows it….and allows it…..than any of the history they may have shared.
Thank you.
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I agree with you Colleen! I’m sure there are sadly, many children who do not check on their elderly parents or care what their life has become because of their own anger issues. It really does speak more of the children than it does the parents. Very sad!!
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Thank you!!!
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yes, a great reminder to all, colleen. we indeed, we be them one day.
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We be indeed. Thank you!
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I didn’t know there was a day dedicated to this cause…it’s very sad that we have to have a day for a cause like this though! Nobody should ever have to go through such pain in life…
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Exactly. And yes, sadly there is a day….world wide.
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So important, for our hearts and the world. Thank you.
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Thank you Paulette ❤
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Amen to that, Colleen! What a beautiful reminder…
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Thank you Tanya 🙂
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A thoughtful post. I hate to think of anyone being hurt or abused in any way–especially children and the elderly. Funny we now have a day for them. I wasn’t aware till a year ago. 😀 ❤ ❤
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🙂 I’m glad you are aware now! 😉
But it is sad we even need this reminder Tess. Too sad.
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This is beautiful, and makes me so so sad. I remember when I was little and people would tell me horrible stories of abuse to elders. I couldn’t fathom how anybody could be so awful, especially to those who raised them and cared for them when they were helpless and vulnerable. It’s payback, because one day they will be old and will need to be looked after. I hope we all give back to our parents and elders what they gave to us.
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I would hope for the same thing Paul. Unfortunately, my hoping has not yet come to fruition.
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As we all head in the same direction … thank you from me and the rest of the aging world!
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You’re welcome Val. We are all ‘headed’ in that direction. Even the littlest of us. 😉
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A good message to get out.
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Thank you Niaaeryn.
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A lovely post and so very true! We need to always care for our elderly.
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Yes we do, and we are teaching those behind us on how to do it.
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yes very true!
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That really is sad that it needs to be given a day. It’s like people forget that they’ll be old some day. Or they forget what common human decency is.
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It’s sad, and often times criminal PIF. 😦
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So sorry.
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