The Pros And Cons Of Elder Abuse

Did you know that, according to the National Institute of Justice website, “There are few reliable national measures of elder abuse. This is partially because there is no uniform reporting system for elder abuse in the U.S.” ("Extent of Elder Abuse Victimization," 2015). It is sad that, in a country as developed as ours, we have no standard way of reporting elder abuse.

Everyone has an aging relative or knows an elderly citizen in their community that they care about. Now imagine, if you found out that this person was being abused, you would certainly want to know how to prevent or stop this abuse. That is what I will be talking about today: what elder abuse is? and how to spot the signs of abuse, prevent it, and educate others.

As you can see, I am not elderly and I have not experienced elder abuse personally, but I am a concerned American. The aging

slapping, bruising, or restraining by physical or chemical means” (What is Elder Abuse? , 2016). No one deserves to be abused no matter the age. We need to love and protect the elderly around us. Not just for the sake of the elderly, but also because we are doing what God values, which is love others.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services: National Center on Elder Abuse, mental or psychological abuse can be anything from intimidation, harassment, and even verbal abuse ("Types of Abuse," 2016). This is sad, to think, that there are elderly that are being harassed and verbally abused by those trusted to care for them. Proverbs 16:24 (NIV) says ,”Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones”. This is how we should be treating our elderly with kind words, and compassion this is what God would desire us to do.

So how can we spot, educate, and prevent elderly abuse? I am so glad you