By Staff
To the Editor:
Elderly people are abused everyday "somewhere."
Sometimes, for the last thirty-five years, the President has designated May as Older Americans month. "Sorry I'm late."
Today one in eight Americans are sixty-five or older; thirty-four million all together. By 2003 one in five Americans will be sixty-five or older. That's good news. Unfortunately there is another more sober side of aging.
Many seniors are denied their basic rights and benefits. These include infliction of physical situations, the infliction of mental anguish, the improper use of seniors resources, the failure of caretakers to fulfill obligation to provide goods or services, and many more abusive situations.
It is worse to abuse the elderly than a child. No matter how big a position a person holds, don't be scared to turn them in. If you need help in dealing with an abusive situation, please, call the National Center Hotline on Elderly Abuse. The phone number is 202-898-2586.
Sue Phillips
Atmore