CANADA: Ministers Vow To Continue Fight Against Elder Abuse

SASKATOON (Canada Press), November 30, 2007: Canada's secretary of state for seniors says elder abuse is not something people like to acknowledge takes place. Marjory LeBreton made the comment Friday as federal, provincial and territorial ministers for seniors wrapped up a day-and-a-half meeting in Saskatoon with a commitment to work together to address the problem. LeBreton says elder abuse can include physical isolation or financial scams involving strangers or even members of a senior's own family. Estimates suggest between four and 10 per cent of seniors are mistreated - almost all of them women. Senior women living alone have an average income of $19,000 a year, and face poverty rates 10 times greater than senior couples. Source: Canada Press