The first time I encountered the concept of elder abuse was when I saw a bumper sticker that said “No Excuse For Elder Abuse.” I had never thought about elder abuse before and found myself suddenly shocked and saddened that the problem of abusing elders had become so big and prevalent that bumper stickers were needed in order to help combat elder abuse and bring it to people’s attention.
Personally, I would define elder abuse as taking advantage of or physically, mentally or emotionally hurting an elderly person. Elders are more vulnerable than other people, as they often need to rely on others to help them with tasks they once could do by themselves. Disturbingly enough, some people believe it is OK to harm and take advantage of elderly people.
The abuse elderly people receive usually is unwarranted and unprovoked. Elder abuse is an issue that is rarely talked about, even though it is just as important as other issues being discussed today.
Elderly people, like all people, need and deserve to be respected and treated with compassion. People need to respect elders and take care of them, as they are the embodiment of perseverance and hard work and are examples of long lives well-lived. The wisdom they have acquired over the years should be utilized and not simply pushed to the side to be forgotten.
Ending the abuse of elders is important and matters greatly to me, as I strongly believe it is everyone’s right to be treated the way they deserve to be treated. Elders deserve to be taken care of in the right way and not be harmed and mistreated by those who want to take advantage of them.
When I think of elderly people, the first people who come to mind are my own grandparents. I love my grandparents deeply and share a special connection with them, as I do with all of my loved ones. I certainly would want my own grandparents to be taken care of and not be abused under any circumstances. Every elderly person means something to someone, so it is only right that everyone makes it their mission to make sure their loved ones and the loved ones of others are provided the kindness and respect they most certainly deserve. Sadly, elder abuse can affect anyone, regardless of their economic, social or personal background.
I believe one of the best ways to prevent elder abuse is to simply bring the issue to people’s attention. By making elder abuse a more visible issue, we can start a dialogue that gives people who do not have as loud of a voice a stronger one.
By talking about this issue openly, we also can help create legislation that will prevent elder abuse from happening and legislation that will protect elders in their vulnerable state. By creating more concrete regulations, we can offer protection to elders and make those who do not adhere to these regulations face consequences. By doing this we can create a world in which elders receive the respect and kindness they deserve.
Elizabeth Parsons of Hampden is a senior at Hampden Academy. This is the winning essay in a statewide essay contest jointly sponsored by the Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention and the GFWC Maine Federation of Women’s Clubs focused on raising awareness of elder abuse in Maine. Sixty-seven students submitted essays responding to the following question: “What is elder abuse, and what does it mean to you?” The winner in each county was eligible to compete for the statewide award.