Be Bold: Voice, Dignity, and Aging with Attitude
What does it mean to age with dignity, voice, and self-determination?
In this special World Elder Abuse Awareness Day episode of Unscripted & Unstoppable, Laureen Quick is joined by three professionals working on the front lines of elder abuse awareness, prevention, and victim support:
Trina Allen – Executive Director, Ada County Victim Services Center and Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Chris Parish – Supervisor of Adult Protective Services, Southwest Idaho Area Agency on Aging
Angie Hudson – Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Retired Therapist
Together, they explore an issue that affects millions of older adults yet often remains hidden from view.
This conversation goes beyond statistics and definitions. It explores the deeper questions of dignity, community, self-advocacy, aging, and what it means to ensure that older adults remain seen, heard, respected, and protected.
The discussion includes:
What elder abuse is and the many forms it can take
Physical, emotional, financial, and neglect-related abuse
Why elder abuse is often underreported
The impact of ageism and invisibility
Warning signs families, friends, and neighbors should recognize
The importance of community and connection
How to advocate for yourself and others as we age
Practical resources available for support
One of the most powerful themes to emerge from this conversation was the importance of voice.
As Trina Allen shared:
“Advocating for ourselves is not being unkind. It’s actually being kind to ourselves.”
And as we discuss throughout this episode, every person—regardless of age—deserves dignity, autonomy, safety, and the opportunity to continue living a meaningful life.
Resources Mentioned
Ada County Victim Services Center:
https://adacounty.id.gov/victimservices/
Ada County Victim Services Center Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556728796993
Ada County Victim Services Center Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/acvscenter/
Adult Protective Services (Idaho)
https://aging.idaho.gov/stay-safe/adult-protective-services/
Idaho Area Agencies on Aging
National Center on Elder Abuse
Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
Warning signs may include:
Physical Abuse
Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, welts, or injuries
Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Fearfulness
Withdrawal
Loss of confidence
Caregivers who threaten, belittle, isolate, or control
Financial Exploitation
Unusual withdrawals from bank accounts
Missing cash or valuables
Sudden changes to wills, powers of attorney, or financial documents
Neglect
Malnutrition
Poor hygiene
Unsafe living conditions
Untreated medical needs
Social isolation
About World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Observed annually on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day brings attention to the mistreatment, neglect, and exploitation of older adults around the world.
The 2026 theme is:
“Be Bold — Age with Attitude”
A reminder that aging is not about becoming invisible. It is about continuing to live with dignity, purpose, autonomy, and voice.
Connect with Laureen Quick
Substack: Your Next Chapter
Next Chapter Summit: The July 2026 Next Chapter Summit
If this conversation resonates with you, please share it with a friend, family member, caregiver, or community member. Awareness can make a difference—and sometimes one conversation can change a life.
#WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay #WEAAD #AgeWithAttitude #ElderAbuseAwareness #WomenOver50 #AgingWell #SelfAdvocacy #CommunityMatters #VoiceAndDignity #UnscriptedAndUnstoppable #LaureenQuick #NextChapterSummit
