June 14 (UPI) – The United Nations has declared June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The human rights wing of the watchdog organization pointed out that older people were more likely to be neglected, physically and mentally abused, and more likely to be openly mocked.

the newly appointed message Claudia Mahler, independent UN expert, is clear: she does not allow any violation of the human rights of older people.

“Policies based on ageist attitudes cannot be tolerated, and I urge states to monitor and implement measures to avoid ageist approaches,” Mahler said in a press release. “Older people must have access to accountability mechanisms that provide for remedies and reparations when their human rights are violated.

Mahler called on all governments, including the international community, to take action to protect older people from psychological and physical abuse.

There has been an increase in online abuse and discrimination against the baby boom generation in particular.

“The disparaging comments in the media are a direct attack on the dignity of the elderly,” said Mahler. “The hashtag” boomer remover “attached to coronavirus publications and press articles calling on the elderly to sacrifice themselves to save the economy or protect the younger generations by exposing themselves to the virus is clearly a reflection of a bias against the elderly. ”

The call for appropriate treatment comes after the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the elderly community.

The pandemic has endangered not only the lives of the elderly, but also their access to medical care and even their pensions.

About two-thirds of people aged 70 and over have at least one underlying illness that puts them at high risk of illness or death from COVID-19.

“As older people have become more visible in the COVID-19 epidemic, their voices, opinions and concerns remain inaudible. Verbal and derogatory abuse online has profound negative effects on the human rights of older people,” he said. Mahler said.

It is predicts that from 2019 to 2030 the number of people aged 60 and over will increase by 38%, from 1 billion to 1.4 billion.

“Older people have the same rights to life and health as everyone. Tough decisions about life-saving medical care must respect the human rights and dignity of all,” said UN chief António Guterres .

The UN advocates that older people enjoy the same rights and the same medical care.

“No person, young or old, is expendable,” Guterres said.