Letter - Elderly population should be high priority

Talk about it

To the editor:

The health and well being of people who are elderly should be one of our highest priorities and concerns. We have them to thank for all of the advances that came before us. Their contributions to society continue to better our lives.

According to the Elder Care Rights Alliance, elder abuse has been rising steadily by 10 percent per year here in Minnesota. As for the types of abuse perpetrated against the elderly, nearly 46 percent of reported cases were some form of neglect. Other forms of abuse that our elderly population may face are financial exploitation, as well as emotional, physical and sexual abuse.

June 15 is Worldwide Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It is a time to reflect on what we are doing as a community in Douglas County to support people who are elderly. We all have opportunities to reach out to families, friends, neighborhoods, places of worship and places of employment.

There are several organizations in our community that are working to combat this issue. One of those is Someplace Safe, which advocates for victims of elder abuse, offers presentations on several topics regarding elder abuse, and can give information and referrals to anyone who may be seeking assistance.

This day, let’s make sure all people who are elderly are valued. Reach out to those who may need assistance. Think of what it will mean for the future of our community. Contact Someplace Safe at (320) 762-1995.

Amity Schneider, sexual assault and general crime advocate, Someplace Safe, Alexandria, MN

Tags: amity schneider, opinion, letters