Governor Stein Proclaims World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

2025

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, North Carolina joins the world in observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 and emphasizing that it is unacceptable for any older adult to live in fear, be mistreated, or experience intentional harm; and

Whereas, elder abuse is grossly underreported and overlooked, the number of adults over the age of 65 in North Carolina has increased dramatically and will continue to do so for many years; with greater longevity, there are more occasions for older adults to experience maltreatment, whether physical, emotional, or financial; and

Whereas, each citizen has a responsibility to report any suspicion of abuse, neglect, or exploitation without fear of reprisal to their county social services department; and

Whereas, in the Fiscal Year of 2023-2024, there were approximately 38,400 reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable and older adults made to North Carolina's 100 county departments of social services; and

Whereas, North Carolina ranks eighth nationally in the number of people 65 and older. By 2028, one in five residents of our state will be older than 65, with the fastest growing age group being individuals aged 85 and older; and

Whereas, 27 percent of adults 65 and older live alone, placing them at greater risk of social isolation and associated poor health outcomes; North Carolina ranks 14th among states related to older adult food insecurity, leaving them susceptible to malnutrition and self-neglect, which is the most common form of neglect; and

Whereas, financial exploitation has increased tremendously and has a detrimental impact on older adults, particularly those individuals targeted because of their neurocognitive decline, causing them significant financial losses; and

Whereas, abuse, neglect, and exploitation can occur in the community or in long-term care facilities and swift action must be taken to ensure appropriate authorities, such as county departments of social services and law enforcement, address these reports and that they receive the attention and proper remedies they deserve; and

Whereas, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a time for North Carolinians to reflect upon and commit to utilizing every tool and resource available to ensure North Carolina’s older adults can live their lives with confidence, dignity, and peace of mind knowing their later years are free from fear, hurt, and harm;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 15, 2025, as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twentieth day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-fifth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.