World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Join Our Third Annual Walk to Build Support for Elders
Mecklenburg County residents are invited to join their neighbors from across the community to support our elders and those who care for them on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
Age-Friendly Mecklenburg, AARP Charlotte, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of N.C. are co-hosting this third annual walk and wearing purple to raise awareness of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older persons.
- Wednesday, June 11, 2025
- 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
- Freedom Park, 1908 East Blvd., Charlotte, N.C. 28203
- Shelter #5 (adjacent to the bandshell)
Walkers can register online in advance to keep up to date on future activities and news that affects seniors in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. But registration is not required, and everyone is welcome for giveaways and refreshments.
Joining the Mecklenburg County walk on June 11 will be Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of N.C., along with other Charlotte-Mecklenburg community leaders.
Every year an estimated one in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Experts believe that elder abuse is significantly underreported, in part because many communities lack the social supports that would make it easier for those who experience abuse to report it. Research suggests that as few as one in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day serves as a call to action for our community to raise awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elders, and reaffirm our country’s commitment to the principle of justice for all. Observed since 2006, WEAAD is an effort to unite communities in preventing elder abuse. Residents can support day on their social media with the hashtag #WalkforWEAAD. For more information, visit Age-Friendly Mecklenburg, call 980-314-6070, or email [email protected].
The walk is organized by AARP Charlotte, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of N.C., and Age-Friendly Mecklenburg, an initiative of the County’s Department of Child, Family, and Adult Services that works to improve the quality of life for older adults.