The Centre for Happy Elderly People, CHEP, has called for protection of elderly vulnerable people against any form of abuse.

This was made known to commemorate this year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, WEAAD, which is marked on June 15 of every year.

WEAAD focuses on the urgent need to protect and support older individuals during crises.

Delivering a speech to mark the celebration of the day, founder of CHEP, Pastor Mrs Sule-Jiringho Adanoritsewo Lilian said it was time to speak up and take a stand when it comes to protecting the elderly.

Her statement reads: “Today, we gather here with a shared purpose – to shed light on a pressing issue that goes almost unnoticed in our society. Elderly abuse is a silent epidemic that affects our seniors in ways we cannot imagine. It is time for us to speak up, to take a stand, and to protect those who once cared for us. Together, let us embark on a journey of awareness creation, education and action. 

“The Centre for Happy Elderly People (CHEP ) is a non-governmental organisation established  2006,to care for the elderly. This is achieved by building a close relationship with the aged thereby making them happy citizens and protect their rights. With nearly two decades of geriatric care excellence, the Centre for Happy Elderly People (CHEP) has taken care of a great number of retired senior citizens who are unable to support themselves alone or needing the support company of others to perform their daily activities for the rest of their lives through the Aged Home Facility.

“Today, we are gathered to celebrate once again the World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). United Nations since 2011, assigned  15th June of every year as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day”(WEAAD).

“This year UN DESA programme on ageing, in partnership with the International Network for the Prevention of Elders Abuse (INPEA), focused on the theme, “Spotlight on Older Persons in Emergencies,” to highlight the need to protect  and support the older persons during crisis.Once upon a time, there was a communal crisis in Ijaha in Delta state, Warri south west Local government area where a 103 years old woman was burn to death in her room , because when the community was invaded at night everyone ran away to save their lives but this woman could not run which lead to her untimely death.

“Emergencies (natural disasters, pandemics, or conflicts, have impacts on older persons and often exacerbate existing vulnerabilities(mobility issues, chronic health conditions, or social isolation), making it difficult for them to access aid, evacuate safely, or receive timely medical care as support services. 

“The stress and chaos of emergencies can increase the risk of elder abuse, whether physical, emotional, financial, or neglect.

“In some situations, the CHEP Old Peoples Home residents in distress suffer “No bed space” slogans in emergency situations when Residents are taken to primary, secondary and tertiary health institutions. This is an example of Elder Abuse in health institutions.

“CHEP wish to appeal to Governments, to provide a separate emergency department for the purpose of attending to our sick older persons in emergency situations in other to promote longevity in Older persons. They are meant to fulfill the number of their days, not to be refused admission for healthcare and treatment. 

“International donors, organizations, and communities should prioritize the safety and well-being of Older persons to include creating accessible evacuation plans, ensuring continuity of healthcare services, and providing targeted support to prevent isolation and abuse.

“Also emphasis on education and training for Geriatric emergency responders like emergency nurses, critical care nurses, doctors and other caregivers is required. 

“We must enforce the Madrid plan on ageing in Nigeria with a great support to a federal government agency in Nigeria called National Senior Citizens Centre(NSCC) on the rights and dignity of older persons, and  ensure that they are not left behind, especially in times of crisis and emergencies. The NSCC in collaboration with NAPTIP has given the following toll free instructions to call 07030000203 and  *627# when there is suspected abuse.

“So, as we move forward, let’s remind our societies and governments to continue to remember the Aged for the legacy we’ve built, for the strength we’ve shown, and for the wisdom we carry. Let’s stand together against elderly abuse, ensuring that our voices are heard and our contributions are valued. Thank you all for being part of this important course. Let’s age with attitude, advocate for the prevention of elderly abuse, and pave the way for a future where the elderly are respected, cherished, and never forgotten.” It concluded