As has been explained Elder Abuse is unfortunately prevalent and even common in our societies and communities. However, we are fortunate that there is a lot that can be done to stop, or at least reduce the scourge of elder abuse.

• Visit or call your elderly loved ones and invite them to family gatherings and other special occasions.

• Older people have valuable skills and knowledge. Find out what talents and skills your older family members, friends, and community members have that they can share with you, your family, or the community. Examples of skills are knitting, baking, cooking, gardening, sewing, etc.

• If you know of an elderly person who has a family member or a professional person serving as a caregiver, support this person by helping and making sure they get a break.

• Contact your non-governmental organisations that support the elderly and offer your support in the form of donations, fundraising, or volunteering.

• Volunteer your time and service to old aged homes or to a housebound elderly person.

• Talk about elder abuse to your friends and family to create awareness so that we can bust the myths and stigmas about this kind of exploitation of the vulnerable.

• Offer to take them to do shopping or run errands. If the person has problems with mobility, you can offer to do it for them.
Remember that family is the essential building block of the ummah (Muslim community) and as such its members–including the elderly–are all highly valued. Islam teaches that elderly individuals are to be treated with unfailing courtesy and respect by all members of the community, not just family members. In accordance with these teachings and Quranic admonitions to care for elderly relatives, the Islamic view on elder abuse is that it is a despicable act.

The Noble Quraan and Hadith, a collection of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ sayings, also warns against mistreating the elderly.
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ‏:‏ مَنْ لَمْ يَرْحَمْ صَغِيرَنَا، وَيَعْرِفْ حَقَّ كَبِيرِنَا، فَلَيْسَ مِنَّا
‏Hadhrat Abu Hurayra RA reported that the Prophet ﷺ said, “Anyone who does not show mercy to our children nor acknowledge the right of our old people is not one of us.” [Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 353]

The above hadith highlights the special position of the elderly in Islam, namely they possess the right to be respected and honoured by other people. Apart from that, Islam also provides the manner to deal with the older people. For example, if the younger people walk with the elderly, they are encouraged to walk after him or to his right. In having meals, the elderly are given priority to be served first and the younger people are taught not to take the food before the elderly do so.

It is a blessing for a community to have the aged people because Allah gives privilege to them. Therefore, those who treat the elderly with kindness and compassion, they will be blessed by Allah.