Walkers round the corner at the Bakersville Creek Walk to raise awareness for elder abuse.
Nationwide one in 10 of the over 52 million people 65 and over are abused, neglected or exploited.
Last year in North Carolina there were 32,075 reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation in the senior population resulting in 17,189 investigations. In the past year, 134 reports resulted in 70 investigations in Mitchell County alone.
The percentage of the population who are 65 and over grows daily.
“For our Adult Services unit, the last year has proved to be truly eye-opening in regard to the needs of the elderly and disabled adults within our community,” said Shana Jenkins, adult protective services supervisor for Mitchell County Department of Social Services. “Not only have the number of evaluations completed doubled in number but the complexity and intensity of them have increased, as well.”
All of this was on the minds of concerned citizens and human services professionals, many dressed in purple, walking together in Bakersville this past month to raise awareness of elder abuse in the community.
They joined people around the world who observed Elder Abuse Awareness Day in June. Purple is the color associated with elder abuse awareness.
Mitchell Senior Center Director Kathy Garland handed out purple ribbons for walkers to wear to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
“This population of people, who are often overlooked, have limited social supports and little to no resources,” Jenkins said. “Our team puts forth an effort on a daily basis to advocate for this valued group of people. We wanted to take the opportunity to raise awareness within our county of the needs of this vulnerable population.”
Bakersville Mayor Chuck Vines joined the many walkers.
“It was my honor to have joined them to support Elder Abuse Awareness Day, 2022,” Vines said. “One of the things that caught my eye was the statement that one in 10 elderly Americans are abused annually. There are several forms such as neglect, abandonment or exploitation.
“We should honor and respect the elderly. My only wish I have today is I would love to see my parents and say to them once more just how much I love them and thank them for what they gave up so I could have more.”