Landmark plea for villages nationwide to unite against elder abuse

The Ageing Without Fear research by the Retirement Village Residents Association NSW, sent shockwaves across the retirement living sector generating a desperate plea from industry bodies for action.

When questioned last year by The Senior, which ran a story about the report, some other state retirement village associations agreed there was anecdotal evidence of abuse and aggression in retirement village communities but no research had taken place.

Ageing Without Fear was the first of its kind in Australia and focused on one facet of elder abuse - psychological within the retirement village environment. It excluded any external sources of abuse such as financial.

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To recognise World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the RVRA, the NSW Property Council, Retirement Living Council (PC/RLC) and the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) has released a joint Statement of Respect to be distributed throughout retirement villages.

The statement includes "Together, we will foster a culture of mutual respect and kindness within our retirement village community. By treating one another with dignity, understanding, and compassion, we create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and supported."

In the Statement, the NSW ADC writes. "We believe it is a collective responsibility to stand up for the rights of older people."

The RVRA added the comment "Respect and mutual understanding are essential in any community."

Secretary of the RVRA NSW Roger Pallant said it was hoped other states would come on board and adopt the same or similar Statements of Respect. He invited other village associations to contact him .

Mr Pallant said the RVRA was continuing to work on the recommendations of the Ageing Without Fear report including organising elder abuse road shows.

secretary@rvra.org.au