The revelation that some adult children are abusing their elders is cause for concern.
Elder abuse, according to Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran, comes in many forms.
Marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Rakiraki this week, Ms Kiran said many of these abuses were, unfortunately, committed by adult children.
Elder abuse, she said, came in many forms, including financial, emotional, psychological, physical, sexual and social neglect.
Abuse, she said, may happen once or repeatedly. It may be subtle, like withholding affection or access to resources, or extreme such as physical violence or total abandonment.
What was most distressing though, was the revelation that two-thirds of abusers were adult children of the victims.
It hurts when we reflect on how, as Ms Kiran notes, elders were being taken advantage of by those they once carried in their arms, by those they fed, clothed, educated and protected.
“Today, we see cases of children receiving land or property titles from their aging parents only to sell them off and move abroad — leaving their elderly mothers and fathers in aged care homes, under State care, or worse — abandoned and homeless.
“Some elders are victims of financial exploitation, where pension cards are withheld, and not a single cent of their hard-earned pension is spent on their welfare.”
In the face of that, it is good to know that Fiji’s laws protect the elderly from any form of abuse.
The Family Law Act outlines the responsibilities of family members toward their elderly kin.
The Domestic Violence Act is supposed to protect older persons from abuse, even within their own households. The Crimes Act makes elder abuse, whether physical, sexual, or financial, a punishable offence.
Ms Kiran said penalties could include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the abuse.
The World Health Organization found that one in six persons aged 60 and above experienced some form of abuse in community settings, settlements, and villages, and this could lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. The UN believes elder abuse may increase as many countries experience rapidly ageing populations.
Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Penioni Ravunawa believes there is no excuse for the abuse of our elderly citizens.
“No situation, no hardship, no frustration, no injustice can justify it,” Dr Ravunawa said, adding that no one should suffer in silence.
“To the families, to the carers of our elderly citizens, friends and neighbours, please do not look away. Lend a loving hand, speak up, show up.
“And above all, give your time, your compassion and your love to your elderly. That is the greatest gift of all.”
Let’s face it, growing old is a fact of life!
We are expected to grow old. No one stays young forever!
One day we may need care, dignity and protection! And no one should be left to endure ageing alone, neglected or abused!
