World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025 Theme, History and Significance
Deeksha Dixit15 Jun, 2025
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025
Observed annually on June 15th, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) serves as a global call to action to address a deeply troubling yet often overlooked issue: the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older people. This day spreads awareness that everyone must understand this problem and work towards building a respectful and supportive environment for the elderly.
| World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2025 Overview | |
| Date | June 15, 2025 (Sunday) |
| Purpose | Raise global awareness about elder abuse, including physical, emotional, financial, sexual harm, and neglect. |
| Established By | International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) and World Health Organization in 2006. |
| Official UN Recognition | United Nations General Assembly, Resolution 66/127, December 201. |
| Types of Elder Abuse | Physical, emotional, financial/material, sexual, neglect, abandonment, self-neglect. |
| Estimated Prevalence | 1 in 6 older adults globally experiences some form of abuse each year. |
| Official Color | Purple (symbolizes support and awareness). |
| Theme for 2025 | Yet to be announced |
| Campaign | #WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay #WEAAD2025 #ElderRights #StopElderAbuse #RespectOurElders. |
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025 Theme
Each year, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day has a specific theme. It highlights different aspects of elder abuse and ways to tackle it. The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025 theme will be announced soon by the United Nations. The theme plays an important role in shaping awareness campaigns.
History of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was first observed in 2006. The initiative was started by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA). The idea for an international day to raise awareness about elder abuse was discussed at the 16th World Congress of Gerontology in Australia in 1997.
In 2011, the United Nations officially recognised 15th June as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Since then, it has become an important event worldwide. Historically, elder abuse has been a hidden issue with many older adults suffering in silence. By creating this global awareness day, the UN has helped bring elder abuse into the public spotlight.
Senior Citizen Population in India
India has over 153 million (15.3 crore) people aged 60 and above, making up more than 10% of the country’s total population. According to the United Nations Population Fund’s India Ageing Report 2023, this proportion is expected to double, reaching about 20.8% (approximately 347 million or 34.7 crore people) by 2050.
The growth of the elderly population is due to improved healthcare and life expectancy. However, it also brings challenges. Many elderly people face loneliness, financial insecurity, and abuse. Traditional family structures are changing, leading to reduced support for the elderly. Urbanisation and migration also leave many older adults without adequate care.
The growing number of senior citizens highlights the urgent need for policies and programmes.
Senior Citizen Welfare Schemes in India
India has several welfare schemes aimed at supporting senior citizens. These schemes help address financial, health, and social needs. Here are some important senior citizen schemes in India:
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National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE): Provides healthcare services to senior citizens. It focuses on preventive and promotive care.
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Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): Supports old age homes, day care centres, and mobile medicare units.
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Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Offers financial assistance to elderly individuals below the poverty line.
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Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana: Provides free physical aids and assisted-living devices to senior citizens.
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Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana: Offers pension through an insurance scheme to provide income security.
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Tax Benefits: Senior citizens get higher exemption limits and tax deductions under the Income Tax Act.
These schemes help promote dignity, well-being, and security. Awareness about these schemes is essential to ensure that senior citizens and their families can access the support they need.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025 Significance
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025 reminds us that elder abuse is a serious issue that affects millions of older people globally. This day is important due to the following reasons:
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Global Recognition of a Growing Issue: WEAAD shines a spotlight on the often hidden and underreported issue of elder abuse, affecting millions of older adults worldwide.
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Promoting Dignity and Respect for Older Adults: The day reinforces the importance of treating older individuals with dignity, compassion, and respect in all aspects of society.
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Raising Awareness and Breaking the Silence: Many cases of elder abuse go unnoticed. WEAAD creates space for open conversation, helping to break the silence surrounding this sensitive topic.
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Encouraging Prevention and Protection: It emphasizes the need for stronger policies, protective services, and community support to prevent abuse and respond effectively when it occurs.
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Empowering Communities and Caregivers: The day supports educating caregivers, families, and communities on how to recognize, report, and prevent elder abuse.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025 is an opportunity to reflect on how we treat our elderly citizens. Let us pledge to respect, protect, and care for them. A society that values its elders is a truly compassionate one.
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025 FAQs
When is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025 observed?
What is the aim of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day?
What forms of elder abuse exist?
Why is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day celebrated?
Are there welfare schemes for senior citizens in India?
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