Northern Cape SAPS joins global community in honouring older persons

The International Day of Older Persons is celebrated on October 1 every year. This day was designated by the United Nations to recognise the contributions of older persons to society and to raise awareness about the issues affecting them, such as elder abuse and social isolation.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has joined the global community in observing and commemorating the International Day of Older Persons.

This year's commemoration marks the 35th anniversary of the United Nations' declaration, recognising the invaluable contributions of older persons worldwide.

In South Africa, the commemoration forms part of the Older Persons Week and Social Development Month, demonstrating the nation's commitment to caring for the most vulnerable in society.

Upholding the rights of older person

The SAPS remains committed to protecting and upholding the rights of older persons, who are often victims of abuse in various forms. Elderly abuse is a growing social concern that can take many forms, including violence, physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse, and neglect. These acts of abuse can be perpetrated by relatives, caregivers, or even strangers, and can occur in various settings, such as at home, in care homes, hospitals, and public places.

The SAPS is mandated by the Constitution and the Older Persons Act, 2006, to ensure the protection of all elderly persons and deal effectively with the plight of older persons by empowering and protecting them. SAPS members are trained to provide elderly persons who are victims of crime with the necessary protection, assistance, and support.

To prevent elderly abuse, the SAPS emphasises the importance of taking certain safety measures. These include installing handrails and non-slip mats in homes, removing tripping hazards to prevent falls, and using walkers, canes, or wheelchairs to aid mobility. Regular check-ins with family and friends can also help prevent isolation, while educating older persons about common scams targeting seniors can help protect them from financial abuse.

The SAPS also encourages older persons to participate in senior centres for socialisation and activities, which can help build a sense of community and reduce the risk of abuse. Additionally, investing in a medical alert system can provide older persons with a quick and easy way to call for help in case of an emergency.

To effectively safeguard the elderly, a multi-agency approach and community-based partnerships are needed. This involves collaboration between government departments, such as the Department of Social Development and the Department of Health, as well as civil society organisations and the criminal justice system. By working together, these stakeholders can ensure the successful conviction of perpetrators of elderly abuse and provide support to victims.

If you see it, report it

The SAPS urges anyone who suspects that an older person is being abused or has suffered abuse-related harm to report the matter to the nearest police station or call the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.

All information received will be treated confidentially, and the SAPS will take swift action to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of elderly abuse.

By commemorating the International Day of Older Persons, the SAPS in the Northern Cape is reaffirming its commitment to protecting and serving the elderly population. The police service recognises the valuable contributions that older persons make to society and is dedicated to ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect.