Youth say it’s ‘okay’ to torment elderly
Parents need to teach their children about respect when it comes to elderly people, according to Queensland’s Redcliffe Superintendent David Tucker. “Everyone has elderly relatives and I’m sure they don’t want them to be disrespected. It’s a bit concerning that young people think it’s quite okay to torment the elderly,” he says.
Parents need to teach their children about respect when it comes to elderly people, according to Queensland’s Redcliffe Superintendent David Tucker.
“Everyone has elderly relatives and I’m sure they don’t want them to be disrespected. It’s a bit concerning that young people think it’s quite okay to torment the elderly,” he told Quest Newspapers, adding local police officers have been involved, numerous times, in managing situations where youth harass the elderly.
Experts say more than 30,000 elderly Queenslanders are physically, emotionally or financially abused every year.
A new publication aimed at educating people about elder abuse has been launched as the concerning issue comes to a head.
The Australian Pensioners and Superannuants League (QLD) and the Public Trustee’s publication – ‘Let’s talk About Elder Abuse’ – features real-life stories and a list of resources where people can seek help and information.
The Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) will hold its World Elder Abuse Awareness Day conference in Adelaide on Thursday, 14 June 2012. This year’s theme is the important role organisations and individuals play in preventing abuse and upholding the rights of older people.
Register your interest by calling ARAS on (08) 8232 5377 or email dianeb@agedrights.asn.au. Cost: $250 (plus GST). Group bookings of five participants or more attracts a 10% discount. Students receive a 50% discount.
