Be there for Senior Groove

Interested in a bit of wholesome fun?  Come to the lower level of the Bayfield Mall between noon and 2 p.m. on June 15.  In that nice open space near the bowling alley and Canadian Tire, you will find people grooving and dancing, and singing along to a slightly adapted version of a Beatles song.

Curious?  Come and find out for yourself.

Similar events are being held all around the world that day, to mark the 8th World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).  The first was held on June 15, 2006 in support of the United Nations Plan of Action, which recognizes the significance of abuse and neglect of older adults as a public health and human rights issue.

The Senior Groove event at the Bayfield Mall is a bit of light-hearted fun, but there’s a serious purpose behind it.  The Barrie event is organized by the Prevention of Senior Abuse Network (PSAN) of Simcoe County to shine a spotlight on this largely hidden issue.  See http://www.psan-sc.ca.

It’s shocking to realize how often the senior members of our communities are abused and neglected.  The abuse is often hidden, partly because of the shame the elders feel, and partly because they may be too frail in mind and body to take action.  Sometimes all they can do is try and tell us what is happening, and all too often we don’t pay attention when they do report it.

Have you ever dismissed an older person’s reports as “complaining”?  Perhaps with an affectionate chuckle?  So some elders suffer in silence at home, in care facilities, and wherever else elder abuse is happening.

Shame on us.

Come on out to Senior Groove, learn more and have fun too:  June 15, noon to 2 p.m. at the Bayfield Mall, lower level.