Elder abuse is a grave and pervasive issue affecting older individuals worldwide. There are various forms of mistreatment and harm inflicted upon the elderly, often by those who are in a position of trust or responsibility.

Elder abuse can manifest in physical, emotional, sexual or even financial forms, as well as through actions of neglect and abandonment. This abuse occurs in many diverse settings, including private residences, nursing homes and other assisted living facilities. This can have devastating consequences for the victims’ health, well-being and quality of life.

To me, elder abuse is a deeply disturbing and unacceptable violation of human rights and dignity. It reflects the failure in our society to protect and respect the elderly, who in my opinion deserve the utmost care, support and respect.

Elder abuse represents a violation of trust and injustice, as older individuals are often targeted due to their perceived vulnerability and dependence. One of the most concerning aspects of elder abuse is its hidden nature, as many cases go unreported and unrecognized.

Older adults are often reluctant or unable to report abuse due to fear, shame, or in some cases cognitive impairment. This further complicates efforts to identify and intervene in abusive situations. This underreporting highlights the importance of raising awareness about elder abuse and educating the public, caregivers and health care professionals about the signs, risk factors and prevention of elder abuse.

Not only is elder abuse a moral issue, but it is also a public health and social justice concern. Victims of elder abuse are at increased risk of physical injuries, mental health problems and premature death.

As someone who has a grandmother that they adore, it breaks my heart to think that there are people out there who abuse elders. In my opinion, there is a way to address elder abuse that focuses on prevention through education, training and advocacy, as well as improving access to supportive services and legal protection for older adults. In addition, efforts to prevent elder abuse should emphasize promoting age-friendly environments that respect and value older individuals.

Furthermore, elder abuse shows me that society is not as perfect as it seems, especially in the United States. I feel that many believe that the U.S. is this amazing country, which in ways it is, but many people do not see the flip side of this glorified country.

Elderly adults who are reaching their last stage of life should be the last people that are mistreated and abused. If anything, these adults should be treated the best, as they are simply trying to spend their time as independently as they can, before they are unable to. The saddest part of this is the fact that elder abuse is common among caretakers, people that we entrust to take care of our grandparents, or to some even parents.

All in all, there needs to be a culture change when it comes to the treatment of elders, and it starts with the younger generation.

Telstar High School senior Karen Marshall is the statewide winner of this year’s Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention essay contest. She will attend the University of Maine at Presque Isle this fall.