by Mavis Prince

Created on: February 22, 2011

We live in a society today where everything has taken on a new acceptable normality.  Commercials on the internet and  television are risky portraying half clad models and actors.  Lyrics and story lines are more openly graphic.  This  makes it hard to expose abuse.  While some are screaming to be "hot" others are watching in horror silently screaming "you can't and better not touch this." 

While I have listened to the complaints of other elderly citizens who may be my neighbors or associates, I have echoed this eternal truth.  What the eyes see, the brain wants to ignore.  Out of fear, some stand by pretending it is not happening.  As a naturalized citizen of the United States, I am appalled at the numbers of others who also are going through this devastating experience.  Complaints range from "I need help" to "no one is listening."  Abuse of elderly American citizens is rampant in this country and no one is doing anything to stop it. 

There are so many ways to abuse the elderly but is usually verbal and or physical.  For example, being told "you're old" or "you walk too slowly". Generally,  that on a good day my sciatica and arthritis allowed me a moderate gait for my age group.  I forced myself to stretch and move through the pilates and crunches.  So at the time, nothing could have been further from the truth.  Yet, I was bombarded with insults from a 25 year old  on the job and complained to management.  The younger woman was never reprimanded. 

Other behaviors include unwanted touching and pressure to take part in physical acts to maintain or obtain employment.   Personal  fights against these acts of terror involved supervisors in transportation industry, administrators in education, partners big 8 accounting corporations,as well as federal and state government hiring authorities.  Abusers are relentless and determined to win control. Once word is out that you do not play this dirty little game, it spills over into other areas of your life.

My vehicles have been scratched or keyed.  My tires are  flattened, parts have been loosened or removed from my vehicles.  I have been excessively ticketed when refusing the advances of a police captain in Center City Philadelphia. 

Churches should be a safe place for the elderly.  However, my experience has taught me that there is no safe haven. This behavior is not

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>