Recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Protecting Older Adults
| Living as an Older Adult in PA
This Sunday, June 15, 2025, marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day — a vital opportunity to shine a light on elder abuse and advocate for the dignity, safety, and well-being of older adults. P4A remains deeply committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s growing older adult population and supporting efforts to prevent abuse in all its forms.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day encourages us to confront an uncomfortable reality that abuse of older adults happens far too often and in many different forms. Elder abuse affects approximately one in ten older adults, yet remains vastly underreported. By bringing this issue to light and educating our communities about the warning signs, we can better protect older adults and connect them with the help they need to thrive.
Breaking the Silence: Understanding Elder Abuse
At P4A, we are dedicated to protecting older adults in Pennsylvania from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The services and advocacy efforts of P4A and the 52 Area Agencies on Aging ensure that older adults can safely maintain independence.
How P4A and the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are protecting older Pennsylvanians:
● Protective Services: The AAAs investigate reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation and connect older adults to safety resources and support services.
● Community Education: P4A and the AAAsprovide training and educational programs to help community members, professionals, and families recognize the warning signs of elder abuse.
● Advocacy and Support: P4A and the AAAs advocate for policy changes and provide direct support to older adults who have experienced abuse or are at risk.
● Prevention Programs: The AAAs offer services like financial counseling, home safety assessments, and social connection programs that help prevent abuse before it occurs.
Let’s Stand Together to End Elder Abuse
This World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we're committed to breaking the silence around elder abuse in Pennsylvania. By educating our communities, supporting survivors, and working to prevent abuse before it happens, we can ensure that every older adult has the opportunity to age safely.
Every Corner, Every County
Pennsylvania’s network of 52 Area Agencies on Aging across all 67 counties works tirelessly to provide the resources and support needed to make independent living a reality for older adults.
AAAs are focused on programs and outreach designed to improve the quality of life of older adults and their caregivers with inclusion, pride, and autonomy.
For more information about AAA services in your area, visit https://p4a.org/.