We owe it to older people to ensure that their golden years are not tarnished

Older people are viewed as important in any society.

This is mainly due to the belief that a nation draws wisdom from them, their experiences often provides guidance.

They add value to our communities because they also take care of the vulnerable including orphaned children provide support to unemployed dependents in their families.

However, for many people, the reality leaves a lot to be desired. Being alive seems like a curse due to the abuse they experience from their relatives.

This ranges from financial abuse to sexual, emotional, physical, psychological, social, sexual abuse and neglect and is, in many circumstances, an unspoken of or under-reported crime.

Older people are vulnerable to abuse because of their age, state of health, social circumstances or other factors, such as crime and violence.

Frail older persons are more vulnerable as they are dependent on caregivers for survival.

Abuse negatively affects the physical, emotional, social and economic wellbeing of older persons and occurs across all economic, ethnic, religious, gender and cultural groups.

Abuse is a crime and should be reported. Everyone has a responsibility to report abuse and take the necessary steps to protect and assist the victim.

It is an offence to conceal abuse in terms of the Older Persons Act No 13 of 2006.

CJ van Zyl, chief executive of Tshwane-based Fulami, an organisation focusing on improving the well-being of elderly person, says elder abuse is emerging as an important issue within the elderly community.

“With South Africa’s rapidly ageing population it is estimated that by 2031 the population aged 65 years and over will nearly double, which means that this problem will become even bigger in future.”

Van Zyl says there are many ways to take a stand against elder abuse, including learning about the forms and signs of elder abuse and neglect, such as frequent arguments or tension between the caregiver and the elderly person and changes in personality, providing a break for a caregiver, and volunteering to be a visitor at a retirement village or old-age home.

The abuse of elderly people happens in their own homes, while living with family and in facilities responsible for their wellbeing.

We must speak up when we suspect or come across an elderly person that is being abused in any form.

Our Constitution protects the rights of all, especially the vulnerable, and this includes the elderly. In South Africa, 8% of the population is older than 60 years.

All of us deserve to be respected, to feel dignified and safe where we live. Therefore, it becomes

important to be able to spot the warning signs, know the risk factors and how you can prevent

and report instances of abuse. We owe it to older generations to ensure that their so-called golden years are not tarnished by abuse and neglect.

The Gauteng department of social development works closely with non-government organisations such as the Gauteng Older Persons Forum and Age in Action to prevent elder abuse.

These organisations are mandated to conduct awareness campaigns and initiatives that fight against the abuse of older person.

Let us band together to create a safe environment for our elders. Elder abuse is a crime and if committed it should be reported.

Everyone has a responsibility to report it to protect and assist older person.

• Busi Kheswa is from the Gauteng department of social development.