As part of the observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2026, the Kerala Association of Professional Social Workers (KAPS) successfully organised a webinar on “Growing Gracefully: Creating Age-Friendly Societies” on 15 June 2026. The session highlighted the importance of fostering inclusive, accessible, participatory, and respectful communities for older persons while emphasising collective responsibility in preventing elder abuse.

The webinar was primarily attended by the 3rd Semester MSW Trainees of Bharata Mata School of Social Work (BMSSW), Bharata Mata College, Thrikakkara, who actively engaged in discussions on ageing, elder rights, protection mechanisms, and the role of social workers in building age-friendly societies.

The programme was conducted in collaboration with esteemed social work partner institutions serving as a meaningful platform for learning, reflection, and advocacy, reinforcing the message that every older person deserves to live with dignity, safety, participation, accessibility, inclusion, and respect.

Together, let us move beyond awareness and work towards creating communities where older adults can age with dignity and security.