On June 15, we mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which highlights one of the most hidden forms of human rights violations.
Violence against older people can take the form of physical, psychological, economic, or institutional violence, and it often remains unrecognized and unreported.
According to estimates by the World Health Organization, one in six older people is exposed to violence, while experts warn that the actual number of cases is significantly higher. Particularly concerning is the fact that violence often occurs in environments where older people should find safety and support.
"History also judges the greatness of a nation and a state by how it cares for older adults," emphasizes Prof. Emerita Dr. Jana Goriup, Head of the Department of Social Gerontology at Alma Mater Europaea University. She also warns that discrimination against older people, social exclusion, and various forms of abuse are still far too often overlooked. In her opinion, ageism and fear of aging are deeply rooted in modern society, which significantly affects attitudes toward older adults.
That is precisely why social gerontology, as an interdisciplinary field, does not merely study the aging process, but also seeks comprehensive solutions to improve the quality of life of older people, strengthen intergenerational cooperation, and prevent violence and social exclusion. The Social Gerontology program at Alma Mater Europaea University educates experts to understand the contemporary challenges of an aging society and to develop innovative approaches in the fields of long-term care, social welfare, healthcare, and intergenerational connection.
Today serves as a reminder that older people are not merely recipients of help, but important bearers of knowledge, experience, and social capital. Their life stories help shape the identity of communities and represent a valuable source of wisdom for future generations.
This year's International Day for the Awareness of Violence Against Older Persons is held under the slogan "Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work" (Beyond awareness: how to make the prevention of violence against older people a reality in practice). The theme emphasizes that merely recognizing the problem is no longer enough - concrete measures, effective policies, and professionally trained personnel are urgently needed to ensure safety, dignity, and a quality life for older people.
Violence against older people is therefore not merely an individual's personal distress, but a social problem that requires awareness, professional knowledge, and active intervention. Building an age-friendly society begins with understanding, respect, and protecting the dignity of every individual.
Older people are not a burden on society. They are its past, present, and future.
