THE level of abuse of elderly people that is being investigated by the local authorities is a shock.
It is very difficult to understand these sorts of incidents.
The victims are by definition among the most vulnerable in society and deserve our respect and care.
Incidents of assaults and neglect as well as scams targeting the elderly are repulsive.
But some of the abuse, it is said, comes from people who should be there to look out for the victims, including carers and family.
It would appear that some of these incidents could be borne of frustration or high pressure on the carers.
But there is no excuse for this cruelty.
When you come to the twilight years of your life, after putting in a massive contribution to your families and communities, these levels of woeful disrespect are a tragedy.
It is the last thing that our elderly deserve.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here