Alarm raised over elderly abuse and neglect in Aruba

ORANJESTAD — On World Ethics Day, October 21, the Alzheimer Foundation Aruba and international human rights advocates are calling for urgent reforms to protect older adults from abuse, neglect and age discrimination.

In an article written by Drs. Melva Croes-Yánez, Aruba's aging population, high cost of living and insufficient caregiver support are identified as growing pressures on elderly care.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in six people aged 60 and older experiences some form of abuse.

The coalition is demanding stronger legal protections, better monitoring of care facilities, prevention of financial exploitation and accessible digital services with human assistance available in Papiamento.

The central message is that the dignity and safety of older adults must become a national priority.