INNISFAIL – The town’s youth recently teamed up with Innisfail’s seniors to raise awareness about elder abuse.
“Walk the Talk" was presented by Innisfail’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and saw Grade 4 students from École John Wilson Elementary School participate in an intergenerational walk to raise awareness about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.
The 20- to 30-minute walk took place outdoors on school grounds.
“It’s a worldwide event (on June 15). Different communities can put on events to help raise awareness and prevention (of elder abuse),” said Allyssa Bremner, FCSS community facilitator. “(Participants were) encouraged to wear purple that day because purple is the colour for abuse.”
Students were paired up with a senior or older adult for the event.
“We’ve got a list of questions that they will ask and answer along the way,” said Bremner. “A lot of them are icebreaker questions to start that intergenerational connection.”
Bremner described elder abuse as any action or inaction by oneself or others that jeopardizes the health or well-being of an older adult.
She said it's often divided into six areas, including physical, emotional or psychological, financial, sexual, medication abuse and neglect.
“Common signs of elder abuse can include confusion, depression or anxiety, unexplained injuries, changes in hygiene, seeming fearful around certain people, and fear or worry when talking about money,” explained Bremner, noting financial and emotional abuse are two of the most frequently reported forms of elder abuse.
“Unfortunately, a lot of the time it’s done by someone they know, like a friend or family member,” she added. “It can happen from other people as well.”
According to research, said Bremner, about four to eight per cent of older adults may experience elder abuse, which affects their health, well-being and independence.
“We thought it would be a really good idea to start some intergenerational activities out here (at the school),” said Bremner. “We thought World Elder Abuse Awareness Day would be a good opportunity to start doing the Walk the Talk."
