🌍 Did You Know? Eye-Opening Facts About Elder Abuse & How We Can Prevent It

📅 10th June – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
✍🏽 By Nnenna Obibi

Every year, millions of older adults around the world silently endure abuse—be it physical, emotional, financial or through neglect. Yet, this crisis remains hidden in shadows, especially in Nigeria where cultural silence, economic hardship, and changing family structures leave many elderly people vulnerable and voiceless.

It’s time to speak up.

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👵🏾 What Is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse refers to any act that harms an older person, whether intentionally or through neglect. This can include:

• Physical violence

• Emotional or psychological torment

• Financial manipulation

• Sexual exploitation

• Neglect or abandonment

According to the World Health Organisation (2022), one in six people aged 60 and older suffers abuse annually in community settings. Shockingly, this figure is likely underreported, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria.

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💔 Quick Facts That May Surprise You

🔹 Only 4% of elder abuse cases are reported in developing countries (HelpAge International, 2021).
🔹 Women are more vulnerable, particularly to financial exploitation and neglect.
🔹 Most abusers are family members—spouses, children, or caregivers.
🔹 Elder abuse increases the risk of premature death by 300% (Lachs & Pillemer, 2015).
🔹 Loneliness and social isolation are major risk factors.

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🇳🇬 Why This Matters in Nigeria

Our traditional family support systems are eroding—urban migration, unemployment, and societal change mean more elderly Nigerians are left behind. EOON Care understands this crisis and is actively bridging the care gap.

We offer:

👵 Home care support
🏡 Residential care at Celine Care Centre
🤝 Community outreach
📚 Caregiver education & safeguarding training

We promote dignity, companionship, and person-centred care, ensuring that our elders are respected, heard, and protected. Our trained caregivers are equipped with UK-aligned standards and Nigerian cultural sensitivity, ready to intervene before harm occurs. Caregiver Induction Tra….

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🧠 How You Can Help

Elder abuse prevention is everyone’s business. Here’s how you can take action today:

✔ Speak Up – Report signs of abuse to community leaders or local authorities.
✔ Stay Connected – Regular visits, phone calls, or virtual check-ins can reduce isolation.
✔ Educate – Share this blog, start conversations, and challenge ageist attitudes.
✔ Volunteer – Join our EOON Care support network. Offer your time or skills.
✔ Advocate – Push for stronger policies protecting the rights of elderly Nigerians.

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🌟 EOON Care – A Voice for the Voiceless

We are on a mission to change the narrative around ageing in Nigeria. At EOON Care, our caregivers, nurses and support teams are not just trained—they are empathy-driven and relationship-centred.

Every service we provide—from a simple companionship visit to complex dementia care—is tailored around one powerful belief: Age should never be a burden. It should be a blessing.

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📚 Resources

For more information and free educational tools, visit:
👉 EOON Care Resource Centre

📞 Nigeria Office: +234 816 7929 521
🟢 WhatsApp: 234 816 7929 521
📧 Email: info@eooncare.com
🌐 Website: www.eooncare.com

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📢 Hashtags

#ElderAbuseAwareness
#StopElderAbuse
#ProtectOurSeniors
#RespectTheElderly
#AgingWithDignity
#SeniorSafety
#ElderJustice
#CareForTheElderly
#EOONCareCares
#PersonCentredCare