Kerstin Roger on Elder Abuse

We sit down with Dr. Kerstin Roger, a researcher and advocate tackling an urgent but often overlooked human rights issue: the abuse of older adults. Dr. Roger shares why this isn't just a family matter—it's a fundamental question of human dignity and rights.

We're talking:

• Why age has been historically left out of human rights frameworks

• How different communities define aging differently, and the global variations in lifespan and health outcomes

• Why traditional data collection methods fall short in capturing the real scope of the problem

• Financial abuse as the newest and fastest-growing form of harm

• How we can shift from fear-based narratives to celebrating the wisdom and contributions of older adults

  
  

Dr. Roger reminds us that older adults are citizens who deserve to be equal and active participants in our communities, with the right to make their own decisions about their lives and wellbeing.

As she states: "It is a luxury to age, and we have really come to see it as a possible burden to us and others... we really need to reinforce this idea that actually getting older is a luxury and a privilege.

"Watch the "Who Should I Tell?" awareness video in multiple languages on the A&O Youtube channel