Elderly people at risk of abuse
15 June marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day , an international awareness day declared by the United Nations (UN) as a result of the UN resolution 66/127 on how to treat elderly people by raising awareness pertaining to issues affecting senior citizens.
Joining the world, the Limpopo provincial government joined by hundreds of senior citizens across the province gathered in Botlokwa, Tsherani Multi-Purpose Centre in the Capricorn district on the 12th of June.
In South Africa, growing older comes with risk of financial, sexual, physical and emotional abuse by family members and society at large. With the sketch of Gender Based Violence, grandmothers have not been spared sympathy of being rape victims by criminals who at times are part of the communities that they have raised.
Elderly people often suffer from dementia and generally become frail because of their age. Instead of being cared for by those that they love and raised, more often, they are dumped at old age homes without visits while beneficiaries are misusing their social grants monies that are supposed to contribute to their financial well-being. Others suffer behind closed doors and do not report to the police and relevant stakeholders.
The amount of care elderly people need is characterized by someone with love and commitment because of the reversal role of going back to being a child who needs to be bathed, fed, and assisted with taking medication amongst other things. This depends on the severity of medical conditions one may have.
Working together with various stakeholders, the provincial government is committed to contributing restoration of human dignity amongst elderly people, and preventing abuse experienced by this most vulnerable group after women and children.
Acting Capricorn District Mayor, Ms Monica Mohale urged the elderly to report any form of abuse to anyone including neighbors. She also urged caregivers and family members to treat elderly with respect and have patience as they are dealing with fragile human beings who have contributed to the growth of the nation by creating a safer space for them.
Those in attendance were encouraged to start exercising and take part in sporting activities around their areas. The province has established a grannies football club and recently, elderly have participated in various national games held in the North West Province.
Mr Jonanes Mosehla has also proved to the world that being 83 years, one can still take active part in ultra marathons when he was announced as the oldest man to finish 98th comrade’s marathon edition held in Durban recently. EC