Can you believe we are already halfway through 2023? Time flies! Aside from sun and warmth, June brings a very special day along with it. Those of you who know me personally likely already know how committed I am to the respect, safety, and dignity of the elderly. That is why I am pleased to help highlight World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th.
Elder abuse can take many forms. In fact, Health Canada names six types of abuse. The presence of a gesture or action can cause harm to someone else, while on the other hand, a lack of action can also cause harm. This is the basic difference between violence and negligence. Furthermore, mistreatment can be voluntary or involuntary. If abuse can be both involuntary and invisible, then how can we possibly avoid causing harm without even knowing? Awareness is the first step, so take heart!
Ageism divides us and can also lead to harm
Of all the forms that abuse can take, ageism is probably one of the most insidious. Ageism is discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age. Not only can ageism be directed towards others but also to oneself, known as self-directed ageism. Our society is tainted with negative connotations about aging, including the use of basic words like senior and old. It is not surprising, therefore, that people may start to apprehend their birthdays or retirement. Some may choose to never identify as seniors or older adults, and that is just fine. The main thing is to try be aware of all the little biases that we may harbour about aging so that they don’t turn into hurtful gestures or words. To learn more about ageism, please visit the World Health Organization’s webpage on the subject.
In honor of Elder Abuse Awareness day, I would like to remind everyone—myself included—that aging is a privilege. To grow old surrounded by the people you love is not something to take for granted. I hope you will take this chance to reflect on your views about aging, to appreciate an elder in your life, and to ponder how you can be an advocate for seniors.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing elder abuse, please call Québec’s new Elder Mistreatment Helpline at 1-888-489-2287. This new free and confidential service is being rolled out across the province gradually between April and October, and is there to listen, support, and help you. Services are provided in French and English (an interpreting service is available for some languages on request)
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week. You can also contact Jeffery Hale Community Services at 418-684-5333, ext. 11805, and their social workers can assist you in finding the appropriate resources.
Happy Father’s Day!
Before signing off, I want to send love to all father figures in our community. I also want to express a very special thought for everyone navigating Father’s Day without the presence of their father figure for the first time. May you use this day as an opportunity to reflect back on and cherish some precious memories.
In closing, just a reminder that if you are an English-speaking older adult or a caregiver in the Capitale-Nationale region, please know that I am here to provide you with personalized advice and support. Feel free to reach out to me by email at afortinmaltais@jhpartners.net or call me at 581-446-7476.
Enjoy summer, and take good care of yourselves!
Anaïs
