Mithun Shankranti/World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Mithun Sakranti- Ashadh, rain, soil, greenery, and childhood.
"असारे मासमा धान रोपेझैँ खेतमा आउ हामी पिरती रोपौँ न"
 "असारे मैनामा पानी पर्यो रुझाउने"

Ashadh is one of the busiest months crafted in so many popular and this Sakranti marks the first day of this divine month: Asadh.
Nepali songs and Nepali lifestyle. Synonymous with agriculture and work, this month is also a motivating month. This day is called Gemini Sankranti as the Sun also enters Gemini from Ashadh Sankranti. So how are the crops this year? Have you finished to nurture and fertilize the corn plants at your backyard?

There are some special festivals in the month of Ashadh starting from Gemini Sankranti. Trishul Jatra is performed at Pashupatinath temple on Ashtami of Krishna Paksha of Ashadha. Similarly, Jagannath Rathyatra is held on Ashadh Shukla Dwitiya. The four-month fast (Chaturmasa Brata) starts from Ashadh Shukla Dashami. Welcome to Asar this year, all of us. Plant some and harvest in thousands, take care of the soil and it will take care of us.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2022: Building strong support for elders

What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse can be financial, emotional, physical, and sexual. It also includes people who are neglected and those who neglect themselves (self-neglect). Social isolation, financial or emotional stress, and dementia can make a senior vulnerable to abuse.

The consequences of elder abuse are grave: older adults who are abused are twice as likely to be hospitalized, four times as likely to go into nursing homes, and three times as likely to die. While studies show that 60% of abusers are family members, abuse can happen in any setting: in the older adult’s own home or a senior living community.

Between 1 million and 2 million Americans over 65 years old were injured, exploited or mistreated by someone they depended on for care or protection, according to the National Center for Elder Abuse. These types of researches are also needed to be done in Nepal.

Legal provision in Nepal for elderly rights
This Senior Citizens Act 2063 (2006) was enacted by Nepal's parliament to make provisions immediately on the protection and social security of senior citizens and enhancement of trust, respect and good faith towards them by utilizing knowledge, skills, capability and experiences inherent in them.

Background of elderly abuse day
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is commemorated each year on June 15th to highlight one of the worst manifestations of ageism and inequality in our society, elder abuse.

Elder abuse is any act that causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust, such as a family member or friend. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological, or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect.
WEAAD was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011, following a request by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), who first established the commemoration in June 2006.

In many parts of the world, elder abuse occurs with little recognition or response. It is a global social issue that affects the health, well-being, independence, and human rights of millions of older people worldwide and an issue that deserves the attention of all in the community.

Now in Nepal, due to more foreign employment and immigration, older generations are forced to live alone in villages. They wait for weeks and months just to receive a call and messages of the children abroad, every one among us, let's keep their expectations in our hearts. The reserved seats for elderly people and some allowances are not enough, let's value their existence, experiences, voices, and expectations.
Utmost love to all elderly people.

Suyog Dhakal