Latest news with #WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
AARP Pennsylvania Highlights Financial Exploitation as a Form of Elder Abuse
HARRISBURG, Pa., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day approaches on June 15, AARP Pennsylvania is drawing attention to one of the most prevalent yet underreported forms of abuse: financial exploitation. This type of elder abuse can lead to significant loss of one's savings, independence, and security—and it often goes unnoticed and unreported until it's too late. "Financial exploitation is a silent threat that can devastate lives," said Mary Bach, AARP Pennsylvania Volunteer and Chair of its Consumer Issues Task Force. "It's not just about stolen money—it's about stolen trust, dignity, and peace of mind. We all have a role to play in protecting those we care about." Financial exploitation involves the unauthorized or improper use of an older adult's assets—whether it's through misuse of power of attorney, coercion to sign financial documents, or outright theft. In many cases, the abuser is a trusted person, such as a family member, caregiver, or friend. Scams by strangers also contribute to financial loss but are distinct from abuse that occurs within a relationship of trust. "Too often, financial exploitation is discovered only after significant damage has been done," said Bach. "That's why education and early detection are so critical. We want Pennsylvanians to know what to look for and where to turn for help." AARP Pennsylvania urges individuals to be alert to the warning signs of elder financial abuse, including: Sudden changes in bank accounts, banking practices, or spending habits Missing belongings or valuables Unexplained changes to wills, deeds, or power of attorney A caregiver or relative preventing access to financial information An older adult reporting financial exploitation Inquire about large withdrawals and unpaid bills and make sure there are no questionable credit card charges. Stop any bank transfers or recurring transactions the account holder does not recall making. It's not uncommon for older individuals to forget things from time to time, but major financial dealings they have no memory of requesting or authorizing, or that they have difficulty explaining, should set off alarm bells. Report financial exploitation to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Pennsylvania Fraud Resource Page at About AARP AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media. MEDIA CONTACT:TJ Thiessen | tthiessen@ | 717-381-7420 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Perth Now
4 days ago
- General
- Perth Now
Mandurah knitters work their needles against elder abuse
Hundreds of beautiful purple flowers will decorate public buildings in Mandurah this June, but behind the lovely facade lies a serious message. Local knitters and crocheters, members of The Knitwits, have been stitching up a storm to help raise awareness and understanding of elder abuse through the state-wide Purple Road Project. At the group's weekly crafting sessions at the Mandurah Seniors Centre, members made the flowers to contribute to their patch of the purple knitted road. Your local paper, whenever you want it. This road symbolises the path towards a brighter, equitable and safer future for older people. The Knitwits formed in 2012 and started making the flowers for the first time last year, contributing hundreds of flowers to the Purple Road. This year, The Knitwits again made hundreds of flowers for the project, with each handmade flower telling a story of courage and perseverance and illustrating the challenges seniors face, which can include several different forms of elder abuse. From humble beginnings in 2011, the Purple Road Project is now around 100m in length, with the collaborative artwork becoming larger each year. Annually on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), sections of Purple Road from across the State join to represent resilience and solidarity and are often put on display to help spread awareness and understanding of elder abuse. Mandurah's Purple Road artwork will be displayed at the Mandurah's administration building (June 16 – 20) and the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre (June 23 – 27) for the community to see. Mayor Caroline Knight congratulated The Knitwits for their dedication towards helping to raise awareness in the community for an important issue. 'Older people have the right to feel safe, valued and respected, and this project is a really meaningful way we can stand together against mistreatment of older people,' Ms Knight said. 'With more than 32 per cent of our city's population aged 55 and above, we want to ensure Mandurah is a safe, connected, and inclusive community for older adults. 'We're in the process of applying for membership to the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities through the World Health Organisation, which will help us to develop an Age-Friendly Strategy. It's important for us to create the most inclusive and supportive environment possible.' The Mandurah Seniors Centre is hosting an afternoon tea on Tuesday, June 10 (1pm to 2.30pm) to support World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Head along to create a felt flower to add to the Purple Road display. Bookings are essential via seniors@ or call 9550 3799.
West Australian
26-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
Two South West organisations receive State Government funding to tackle elder abuse
Two South West community organisations, which aim to tackle elder abuse have been awarded State Government funding to host educational workshops on the issue. The Eaton Community Hive and the Boyup Brook Community Resource Centre will both receive up to $5000 to hold initiatives which raise awareness about elder abuse. Regional local governments and not-for-profit organisations across WA were invited to apply for grants to host events and activities in June in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. West Australians are being urged to 'wise up, rise up against elder abuse' by participating in information workshops, education seminars, morning teas and art projects, which give people the tools to support older people in their communities. Aged Care and Seniors Minister Simone McGurk said, 'every older Western Australian has a right to feel and be safe'. 'It is vital that as many people as possible are aware of elder abuse and the mistreatment of older people and how and where to access support and information,' Ms McGurk said. 'This grants program is designed to highlight World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in regional areas and builds on the State Government commitment to raise awareness of elder abuse and the mistreatment of older people in Western Australia.' Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns congratulated the Eaton Community Centre on receiving the grant. 'It is critically important that we continue to raise awareness of keeping our elders safe and supported and I thank the Eaton Community Hive for their continued advocacy in this area,' she said. The Eaton Community Hive will host the 'WEAAD and Life's Last Choices Forum' on June 20 at the Bunbury Geographe Seniors and Community Centre. The Boyup Brook Community Resource Centre will host the 'Knowledge is Power — World Elder Abuse Awareness Day' event at the Boyup Brook Town Hall, either on June 10 or June 24 (TBC).
West Australian
26-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
Mid West, Gascoyne events to raise awareness of elder abuse throughout June
An event highlighting respect towards elders in Mullewa is one of eight across the Mid West and Gascoyne to receive State Government funding to raise awareness of elder abuse in the regions. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 aims to raise awareness of the mistreatment of elderly people as a step to help prevent it. In total, 18 organisations will receive up to $5000 to host workshops, education seminars, art projects and morning teas to get the community working together to respond to the issue. WA residents are being encouraged to 'Wise Up, Rise Up Against Elder Abuse', with the community encouraged to take action. Aged Care and Seniors Minister Simone McGurk said older Australians had the right to feel safe. 'It is vital that as many people as possible are aware of elder abuse and the mistreatment of older people, and how and where to access support and information,' she said. 'This grants program is designed to highlight World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in regional areas, and builds on the State Government commitment to raise awareness of elder abuse and the mistreatment of older people in Western Australia.' On June 13, Mullewa Community Resource Centre will host a morning tea highlighting respect for elders. On the same day, Morawa's CRC will hold a community dinner, while the Cue CRC will host a luncheon on June 16. Camps highlighting the issue have also been planned, with Yulella Aboriginal Corporation and Wattandee Littlewell Aboriginal Corporation hosting events in June. In the Gascoyne, the Shire of Carnarvon will hold various events in honour of the day, while Gnowangerup CRC and Gascoyne Community Services Aboriginal Corporation will also host sessions to educate the community.
