By Bonny Burrows
Evergreen Retirement Village Pakenham kicked off World Elder Abuse Awareness Day festivities early on Wednesday with a commemorative tree planting ceremony.
Bass MP Brian Paynter joined a group of residents for the planting of the native Callistemon, a vibrant red bottlebrush in the village’s communal garden.
The international event, held annually on 15 June, raises awareness of seniors’ rights and takes a stand against the abuse and suffering inflicted on older people across the globe.
Evergreen Retirement Village event co-ordinator Sharyn Allsopp said the local tree planting event was “something different to honour” the village’s residents.
“It makes these guys feel important, recognising them with a day like today,” Ms Allsopp said.
Village manager Annie Roberts agreed, saying the older population was “often forgotten”.
She said World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was important to “raise awareness they are human beings”.
She said the elderly were subjected to different forms of abuse, perhaps stemming from a decline in respect for the older generation.
“The elderly are very fragile, scared and vulnerable so they take it,” Ms Roberts said.
“Really, we should have a lot more respect for the older population – they should be admired.”
