Feds to define 'elder abuse' to help stop it

The federal government is launching a consultation on how it should define elder abuse, an exercise that would bring more targeted programs and policies for Canada's aging population.

About one in 10 seniors are affected by abuse or neglect, often by those who are close to them.

And while there are signs and symptoms of abuse provided to the public, there is no one definition for elder abuse.

Seniors Minister Deb Schulte says coming up with a definition would help focus how governments and myriad organizations work to quash neglect and financial abuse of seniors.

She adds that provinces and territories have talked about the need for a common definition after hearing from groups advocating for better outcomes for the country's seniors.

Thank you Minister of Seniors @_DebSchulte for joining our #WEAAD2021 event and announcing the launch of consultations on a federal policy definition of senior abuse.

— CanAge (@CanAgeSeniors) June 15, 2021

Canada's grey wave is expected to pick up speed in the coming years, with seniors expected to make up close to one-quarter of the national population by 2030.