Subject: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and Michigan Elder Abuse
Awareness Day
As reported by the National Center on Elder Abuse:
The national aging network works tirelessly to ensure that older Americans
remain independent, healthy, and safe in their homes and communities for as
long as possible. However, the independence of many seniors is threatened by
abusive situations ranging from financial exploitation to severe neglect.
The consequences of abuse, neglect, and exploitation are grave; and abusive
situations challenge all of the network's efforts to promote the well-being
of older adults. Victims face considerable higher risk for premature death
than elders who are not mistreated. There are tremendous economic costs as
well. A MetLife report released in 2009 estimates that $2.6 billion are
lost annually to elder financial exploitation.
** World Elder Abuse Awareness Day provides an opportunity for all of us to
raise awareness and commit to strengthen Michigan's elder abuse prevention
and intervention efforts. As you go through your day, doing the amazing
work you do to provide services and supports for older adults, please take a
moment to think about how your programs can partner with elder abuse
prevention efforts, raise awareness, and work to help Michigan's seniors
live free from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Attached please find a fact
sheet to share with your networks. Additional information is available at
www.ncea.aoa.gov **
2010 Michigan Elder Abuse Awareness Proclamation
Whereas, Approximately 1.7 million older adults, 65 years or older,
currently live in the state of Michigan; and, Whereas, Michigan's older
adults are active members in their communities and serve as leaders,
mentors, and volunteers; and,
Whereas, As valued members of this state, older adults should be able to
enjoy their senior years with dignity and without fear; and,
Whereas, It is estimated that one in five older adults have been abused,
neglected or exploited; and,
Whereas, Abuse inflicted on vulnerable older adults is a tragic event and is
an increasing problem that crosses all socioeconomic segments of the
population; and,
Whereas, Combating abuse of older adults will help improve their quality of
life and allow our older adults to live as independently as possible and
contribute to the vibrancy of Michigan;
Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of
the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 15, 2010, Elder Abuse
Awareness Day and the week of June 14, 2010, Elder Abuse Awareness Week in
Michigan. Residents can help prevent the abuse of Michigan's most senior
residents through public awareness to protect them.
