The United Nations Calls for Greater Awareness
On the International Day for the Awareness of Elder Abuse, the United Nations (UN) warns that violence against older people is much more prevalent than is commonly recognised. According to the UN, stronger systems are urgently needed to prevent abuse and to ensure an effective response when it occurs.
The International Day for the Awareness of Elder Abuse, observed annually on 15 June, was officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011.
According to the UN, violence against older people takes many forms, ranging from physical abuse to financial exploitation. Elder neglect is also recognised as a form of abuse. Older people become victims of violence when their opinions are ignored, when they lack adequate support, or when they are denied access to essential services.
In Slovenia, organisations advocating for the rights of older people have particularly highlighted systemic violence, which prevents older adults from accessing various public services.
Darinka Klemenc, a member of the Working Group for Non-Violence in Nursing and Midwifery, operating within the Nurses and Midwives Association of Slovenia – Association of Professional Societies of Nurses, Midwives and Health Technicians, explained that access to healthcare services becomes increasingly difficult for older people who lack digital skills as the healthcare system undergoes further digitalisation. According to her, the introduction of the zVEM digital health application presents a particularly significant challenge for many older adults.
She emphasised that policymakers must recognize that not every older person has children or relatives who can assist them. Even when family support is available, seeking assistance is not always straightforward, as many older people prefer not to disclose their health information to others. This issue is closely linked to the protection of personal data and patient privacy.
For these reasons, both the Working Group for Non-Violence in Nursing and Midwifery and the Srebrna Nit (Silver Thread) Association for Dignified Ageing, where Klemenc is also actively involved, are calling on decision-makers to preserve the possibility of traditional, direct communication with physicians, alongside digital healthcare services.
