SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The inaugural Northwest Territories Elder Abuse Awareness Week begins Sunday, and the NWT Seniors' Society is hoping seniors and others in the community will take part in events and activities to raise awareness about the issue and encourage more older adults to come out and be active.

William Apsimik, 76, lends his musical talents on guitar to the Cornerstone Pentecostal Church choir May 31. The NWT Seniors' Society encourages older adults to stay active in the community. - Thandiwe Vela/NNSL photo

In previous years, the society only observed World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, but decided to dedicate a full week to the issue this year, from June 12 to 18. The week also coincides with Senior Citizens' Week in the NWT.

"During this special week and throughout the year, everyone can play a part," said Beatrice Campbell, president of the society. "Through our attitudes and actions we can show elders the respect they deserve."

Last year, the group surveyed 500 people in 11 different NWT communities 50 years and older, and more than 70 per cent said elder abuse is a big issue in their community, said Angus Mackay, the society's director of educational programs for older adults.

"It's out there. It's a problem and we need to get people aware that it's going on," he said.

The types of abuse include physical, psychological, verbal, sexual, emotional and especially financial abuse, which is the most prevalent, Mackay said, adding older adults are more vulnerable if they are not independent or out and about in the community.

"It's all about prevention," Mackay said. "Getting people out, less isolated, more visible, and as a consequence, less likely to be a victim of any kind."

Yellowknife missionaries Eva Apsimik, 74, and her husband William, 76, stay active in the community by attending church services several times a week and encourage other older adults to be involved in the community by inviting them to church.

"This is like our family," Eva said, adding she and her husband will be travelling to Hay River for their missionary work this summer. When they are in town, William lends his musical talents to the Cornerstone Pentecostal Church choir, and Eva said his guitar skills improve each year.

Community groups and individuals are encouraged to set up family activities and events throughout the week to encourage other seniors to be active in the community, Mackay said.

Some suggested events and activities include barbecues, picnics, traditional song and dance days, storytelling events, or adopt-a-grandparent day, where children and youth could invite their grandparents, or an older citizen who may not have grandchildren, to their school. More suggestions are listed on the society's website.

The seniors' society will be hosting two events on Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Greenstone Building called the Information Highway. Displays and booths will be set up about elder abuse and programs and services that support older adults in the community. Representatives will be on hand from many organizations including the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, NWT Recreation and Parks Association, Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority and the NWT Status of Women Council.

There will also be an invitation-only seniors luncheon at the Baker Community Centre, where the annual Sister Agnes Sutherland Award will be presented.

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