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June 10, 2024Jefferson City, Mo. |  By: Jeremy Werner

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day highlights need to protect older MO adults

elderly abuse

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is this Saturday, and it's a crucial time to consider the well-being of older adults in your community.

Recognized globally since 2011 and adopted in Missouri by Gov. Mike Parson in 2021, this day highlights the abuse and suffering some older adults face.

Debbie Bennett, a nutrition and health specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, says elder abuse is a significant issue, with Missouri receiving 116 reports daily, and many more cases likely going unreported.

Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect, abandonment, or self-neglect. In almost 60% of cases, the abuser is a family member.

Look out for signs of abuse in older adults, such as depression, isolation, unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, and sudden changes in banking habits.

To help, check on loved ones, support relevant agencies, and spread awareness in your community.