Pike Area Agency on Aging to host annual Elder Justice Day on Aug. 22

The annual Elder Justice Day will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22, at the Matamoras Fire House, located at 506 Avenue Q in Matamoras.

This year’s event will tackle “Self-Care to Avoid Self Neglect” and “Cybersecurity and Online Safety.

Each year, the Pike County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) holds Elder Justice Day to educate and prevent Pike County seniors from abuse or exploitation by partnering with leaders and experts from across the state to provide stimulating and empowering presentations.

“Recently, the office has seen an uptick in cases of seniors being scammed via their computers and the Internet,” said Protective Services Care Manager Tracy Simon. “We felt having cybersecurity and online safety as one of this year’s Elder Justice Day’s focus areas would be very beneficial. Our speakers will educate seniors on how to identify cyber threats and keep finances secure.”

In addition to the presentations, this free event will consist of a continental breakfast, lunch, raffle drawings and more. Several local vendors and service providers will provide resources on the services they offer and a shredder will be available for on-site disposal of personal information.

The Drug Take Back program will also be at Elder Justice Days so attendees can safely dispose of unused or expired medication.

All older adults are welcome to attend this free educational event. Pike County residency is not required. To register, call 570-775-5550. Transportation can also be coordinated by calling Pike County Transportation at 570-296-3408.

Elder Justice Day is organized by the Pike County Elder Abuse Task Force. The task force was established in 2013 with the mission of educating the public on recognizing, preventing and reporting cases of elder abuse. If you know or suspect an elderly person is being harmed, contact the Pike County Elder Abuse Task Force at 1-800-233-8911.